ADUs are allowed in BerlinTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Berlin, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
1,608
Owner-occupied
65%
Zoning districts
12
Avg Home Value
$368,492
Median Lot Size
0.30 acres
Avg Income
$82,741
Residential Types:
1,608 housing units
Apts (4+ units)
1%
Other
99%
Zoning Districts:
2,114 parcels · 12 districts
R-2
41%(868)
R-1
30%(641)
B-1
7%(157)
R-3
7%(152)
Other
14%(296)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Berlin, MD?
Berlin, MD follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
- –Detached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement.
Parking
- –2 spaces/ADU; BOA may modify/reduce/waive; joint/shared parking may be approved; spaces may be within 300 ft if not on the same lot; in B-1 District, an in-lieu fee per required space may be paid if on-site parking cannot be provided.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU rental prohibited; only accessory living quarters allowed, with no kitchen and not rented or used as a separate dwelling.
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.
Worcester County