ADUs are allowed in Capitol HeightsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Capitol Heights, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
3,184
Owner-occupied
78%
Zoning districts
11
Avg Home Value
$260,151
Median Lot Size
0.12 acres
Avg Income
$85,994
Residential Types:
3,184 housing units
Single Family
21%
Other
79%
Zoning Districts:
4,326 parcels · 11 districts
RSF-65
58%(2,496)
RSF-A
22%(939)
LTO-E
12%(516)
LTO-C
6%(280)
Other
2%(95)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Capitol Heights, MD?
Capitol Heights, 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 internal ADU size of 800 sq ft
- –Maximum internal ADU size of 40% of the principal dwelling’s floor area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU floor area is 40% of the principal dwelling’s floor area
- –Maximum detached ADU floor area of 800 sq ft
Max Units
- –1 ADU per single-family lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy principal dwelling or ADU as primary residence
Parking
- –0 parking spaces required; may require 1 additional off-street space for a detached ADU; waivers possible for proximity to transit or hardship
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals prohibited unless specifically permitted; if allowed as a tourist home: max 30 consecutive days; max 90 days/year (non-owner-occupied) or 180 days/year (owner-occupied); occupancy cap at 8 guests and 3 per bedroom; licenses and tax remittance required; tourist homes may be located in a principal building or an accessory building.
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.
Prince George's County