ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated TalbotTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Talbot, MD
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# of Properties
9,859
Owner-occupied
55%
Zoning districts
19
Avg Home Value
$583,887
Median Lot Size
1.77 acres
Avg Income
$100,391
Residential Types:
9,859 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
12,650 parcels · 19 districts
RC
23%(2,865)
AC
18%(2,273)
RR
15%(1,946)
VR
8%(1,061)
Other
36%(4,505)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Talbot, MD?
Unincorporated Talbot, 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 lesser of 900 sq ft or 35% of the primary dwelling’s gross floor area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size: 900 sq ft on lots up to 5 acres and in the RC district; 1,500 sq ft on lots over 5 acres (size includes porches and decks).
Max Units
- –Single-family detached (incl. RC): 1 ADU/lot.
- –Principal commercial use: up to 2 ADUs (at least 1 inside commercial building).
- –Agriculture: 2 manufactured/mobile homes (up to 4 w/ special exception; +50 acres per dwelling >2); farm tenant: 1 for >150 acres +1/100 acres.
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU for ≤900 sq ft; 2 spaces for >900 sq ft or for agricultural/seasonal housing; waivers may be approved by the Planning Director or Planning Commission; detached ADUs on lots ≤5 acres must use the primary dwelling's driveway.
Rental Restrictions
- –Long-term: primary and ADU cannot be rented to different tenants; the owner may live on-site and rent one dwelling or rent the entire property under a single lease.\nShort-term: a license is required; only one unit may be licensed and a minimum 3-night stay; detached ADU shall not be used as or in conjunction with a bed-and-breakfast establishment.
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.
Talbot County