ADUs are allowed in CambridgeTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Cambridge, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
6,984
Owner-occupied
62%
Zoning districts
16
Avg Home Value
$125,356
Median Lot Size
0.15 acres
Avg Income
$58,652
Residential Types:
6,984 housing units
Single Family
9%
Other
90%
Zoning Districts:
7,955 parcels · 16 districts
R
25%(1,994)
D
22%(1,729)
NC-2
16%(1,251)
RC
10%(756)
Other
28%(2,225)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Cambridge, MD?
Cambridge, MD follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Special Permit
- –Detached ADU: Special Permit
Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 1,000 sq ft
- –Maximum size of 40% of the principal dwelling’s floor area
Max Units
- –1 ADU per existing single-family dwelling per lot; 1 ADU for Critical Area properties as part of a primary dwelling unit
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside in at least one dwelling unit on the lot
Parking
- –1 off-street space per ADU; max 1; BOA may allow setback/tandem if not blocking emergency access; NC and certain districts waive off-street parking unless street width is too narrow; Downtown/Waterfront Core may waive parking on site plans.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals no more than twice per year (max 7 days); Bed & Breakfast approval required for any excess. One unit must be owner-occupied and that unit may not be rented; the other unit may be rented.
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.
Dorchester County