ADUs are allowed in ChestertownTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Chestertown, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
1,597
Owner-occupied
68%
Zoning districts
16
Avg Home Value
$302,344
Median Lot Size
0.23 acres
Avg Income
$62,708
Residential Types:
1,597 housing units
Single Family
13%
Apts (4+ units)
1%
Other
86%
Zoning Districts:
2,061 parcels · 16 districts
R-2
37%(761)
R-5
21%(429)
R-4
11%(227)
R-3
10%(198)
Other
22%(446)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Chestertown, MD?
Chestertown, 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 is the greater of 50% of the primary dwelling’s habitable floor area or 2,000 sq ft.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum footprint of 1,200 sq ft for a detached accessory dwelling unit.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per single-family lot
- –0 ADUs permitted for duplex and multifamily
Owner Occupancy
- –Property must be owner-occupied.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; must follow principal-dwelling parking rules; parking table is reference; Planning Commission may waive/modify for impervious-surface reduction or higher-density development
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.
Kent County