ADUs are allowed in Mardela SpringsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Mardela Springs, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
193
Owner-occupied
41%
Zoning districts
6
Avg Home Value
$113,372
Median Lot Size
0.33 acres
Avg Income
$83,750
Residential Types:
193 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
244 parcels · 6 districts
VC
65%(159)
VR
30%(73)
HC
3%(8)
RR
1%(2)
Other
1%(2)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Mardela Springs, MD?
Mardela Springs, 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 residence's floor area for an internal or attached accessory apartment; no minimum or special-permit alternative.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 50% of the square footage of the residence.
Max Units
- –Single-family in RR/VR/VC: 1 accessory apartment per lot
Parking
- –1 space/ADU in Village Residential and Village Center; Rural Residential has no numeric ADU minimum. All ADU parking (and SFR parking) must be off-street in Village Residential/Center; in Rural Residential, ADU parking must be in the rear yard. In Village Residential, parking areas with more than 5 vehicles must be at least 20 feet from the nearest residential property line.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term/transient rentals are not allowed for ADUs; transient lodging is regulated as B&B/motel/hotel where permitted. No accessory apartment may be constructed or utilized on any property that also has guest rooms.
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.
Wicomico County