ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated SomersetTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Somerset, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
10,052
Owner-occupied
69%
Zoning districts
14
Avg Home Value
$126,853
Median Lot Size
1.01 acres
Avg Income
$68,597
Residential Types:
10,052 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
13,608 parcels · 14 districts
AR
43%(5,794)
MRC
20%(2,717)
R-1
15%(2,023)
R-2
12%(1,659)
Other
10%(1,415)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Somerset, MD?
Unincorporated Somerset, 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 of 50% of the principal dwelling’s living (habitable) area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 50% of the principal dwelling's living area
Max Units
- –Max 1 ADU per lot.
- –Owner-occupied detached SFD: 1 ADU.
- –Single-wide mobile/manufactured: 0 ADUs.
Owner Occupancy
- –Principal dwelling must be owner-occupied.
Parking
- –0 spaces if existing house with adequate on-street parking; otherwise 1 space per ADU within 100 ft of the lot when on-street is not feasible or the ADU is built concurrently. Planning Commission may allow deviations.
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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Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
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.
Somerset County