ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated WorcesterTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Worcester, MD
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
23,382
Owner-occupied
50%
Zoning districts
30
Avg Home Value
$360,552
Median Lot Size
0.26 acres
Avg Income
$94,205
Residential Types:
23,382 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
28,170 parcels · 30 districts
R2
25%(7,179)
A1
22%(6,133)
R3
17%(4,704)
R1
10%(2,693)
Other
26%(7,461)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Worcester, MD?
Unincorporated Worcester, 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 internal/attached ADU size is the lesser of 900 sq ft or 35% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area (garage excluded)
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size of 900 sq ft
- –Maximum ADU size of 35% of the principal dwelling's gross floor area
Parking
- –1 space per ADU; max 2 per ADU; parking must be in addition to other parking; bicycle parking not required; joint-use and off-premises parking allowed if conditions met per ZS 1-320(g)-(h).
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals: single rental contract per overnight period; ADU may only be rented in its entirety (no room-by-room STR).
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