ADUs are allowed in Chesapeake BeachTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Chesapeake Beach, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
1,870
Owner-occupied
78%
Zoning districts
11
Avg Home Value
$407,418
Median Lot Size
0.19 acres
Avg Income
$137,727
Residential Types:
1,870 housing units
Single Family
31%
Other
68%
Zoning Districts:
5,451 parcels · 11 districts
RPC
39%(2,130)
R-MD
21%(1,133)
RV-2
12%(641)
RV-1
12%(637)
Other
17%(910)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Chesapeake Beach, MD?
Chesapeake Beach, MD follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
- –Detached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 650 sq ft of floor area for an internal (in-home) accessory dwelling unit.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum 650 sq ft floor area for detached accessory dwelling (conditional use) in R-LD, R-MD, R-HD, RV-1, RV-2, RPC, NC, and TC districts.
Max Units
- –Single-family detached: 1 ADU/lot (attached or in accessory building).
- –Duplex/multifamily: ADUs not allowed.
Owner Occupancy
- –Accessory dwellings require owner-occupied lots.
Parking
- –2 off-street spaces per ADU (in addition to those for the principal dwelling); on the same lot and outside the front setback; spaces in a garage or enclosed carport do not count; ADUs are a conditional use.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term/transient rentals not allowed for ADUs (detached or attached); tourist home/B&B use not permitted in residential districts.
ADU State Law
What can you build in Maryland?
- –Local-law mandate: By Oct 1, 2026, each legislative body must adopt a local law authorizing ADUs under this section.
- –Local zoning mostly remains: The subtitle generally does not alter local zoning power except as provided, but locals must establish policies that further the subtitle's intent.
- –Definition-based size cap: An ADU must be ≤ 75% of the size of the primary SF detached dwelling and subordinate in use; ADUs may be detached or attached.
- –Density/growth limits: ADUs must be excluded from density calculations and from measures limiting residential growth that pertain to the lot/parcel/tract.
- –Setbacks: Local law cannot set side/rear setbacks that exceed existing accessory-structure setbacks.
- –Parking: If a jurisdiction adds off-street parking requirements, it must consider specified factors and provide a waiver process, and must complete a parking study before adopting such requirements.
- –Alley access option: Local law may prohibit converting an accessory structure to an ADU if only vehicular access is from an alley.
- –Codes/adequate facilities: Local law must provide for ADU construction meeting public health/safety/welfare standards, including building codes and adequate public facilities provisions.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Maryland municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Calvert County