ADUs are allowed in LaurelTypes:Internal
Types:Internal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Laurel, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
6,100
Owner-occupied
78%
Zoning districts
35
Avg Home Value
$562,735
Median Lot Size
0.11 acres
Avg Income
$107,114
Residential Types:
6,100 housing units
Single Family
45%
Apts (4+ units)
3%
Other
52%
Zoning Districts:
10,334 parcels · 35 districts
PDA-E
19%(2,012)
R-55
19%(2,008)
PUD-E
18%(1,904)
R-T
10%(1,036)
Other
33%(3,374)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Laurel, MD?
Laurel, 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: Not permitted
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size is 25% of the main dwelling’s floor area (internal only; no additions).
Max Units
- –Single-family detached: none specified
- –Duplex/two-family, townhouse, multifamily: 0 per lot (not permitted)
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU: renting prohibited; must be within the existing dwelling and used for servants/household help.
- –Internal/Attached ADU: may be rented only to up to two related persons (one elderly or handicapped); not open to the general public.
- –When the accessory apartment is occupied, no other rooms in the dwelling 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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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.
Prince George's County