ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated CarolineTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Caroline, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
8,011
Owner-occupied
78%
Zoning districts
21
Avg Home Value
$248,438
Median Lot Size
1.54 acres
Avg Income
$78,606
Residential Types:
8,011 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
11,403 parcels · 21 districts
R
74%(8,421)
R1
18%(2,005)
VC
3%(341)
VN
3%(287)
Other
3%(349)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Caroline, MD?
Unincorporated Caroline, MD follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size limited to 50% of the principal dwelling’s total area
- –Maximum size of 1,000 sq ft for an internal accessory dwelling unit
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size for a detached accessory dwelling unit is 1,000 sq ft
- –Maximum size for a detached accessory dwelling unit is 50% of the principal dwelling’s total area
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside in either the principal dwelling or ADU
Parking
- –1 space per ADU; off-street spaces must be on the same lot or within 300 ft; joint/shared parking allowed with different operating hours and a written agreement; adequate parking for the ADU and all other uses on the property.
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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Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Maryland municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Caroline County