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Annapolis, MD Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Annapolis, MD, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Units per lot: One accessory dwelling unit maximum
Size cap: 850 sq ft outside existing footprint
Owner-occupancy: Owner must live in ADU or house
License: Rental license required under Ch. 17.44
Citation: Annapolis City Code § 21.64.010

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Maryland under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Annapolis, MD rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Annapolis allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, caps standalone ADUs at 850 square feet, requires a Chapter 17.44 rental license, and requires the owner to live in the ADU or the main house.

A. A maximum of one accessory dwelling unit may be established on any one lot. ... E. The maximum size of any accessory dwelling unit that is not established within the existing footprint of the principal structure is eight hundred fifty square feet of livable space. F. A rental license for any accessory dwelling unit is required in accordance with Chapter 17.44. G. An accessory dwelling unit and principal structure on any one lot shall be in common ownership and the owner shall reside in either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal structure.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis Zoning Code § 21.64.010 permits only one accessory dwelling unit per lot, inside the principal structure or in a separate accessory building. Each unit needs its own separate entrance and exit. An ADU that goes beyond the principal structure's existing footprint is capped at 850 square feet of livable space, and adding impervious surface on an ADU lot is barred unless the Department of Planning and Zoning finds the runoff will be managed or an equal amount of coverage is removed elsewhere on the property. The ADU and the principal structure must stay in common ownership, and the owner must live in one of the two units. A Chapter 17.44 rental license is required.

Violations & Fines

Building an ADU without a permit, exceeding the 850-square-foot cap, skipping the required rental license, or renting without the owner living on site draws code enforcement action and required correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build more than one ADU on my lot?

No. Annapolis Zoning Code § 21.64.010(A) limits every lot to a maximum of one accessory dwelling unit, whether it's inside the main house or in a separate accessory building.

Does the owner have to live in the ADU?

The owner doesn't have to live in the ADU itself, but must reside in either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal structure on the same lot, per § 21.64.010(G).

Do I need a rental license for my ADU?

Yes. Section 21.64.010(F) requires a rental license for any accessory dwelling unit under Chapter 17.44, in addition to meeting the zoning standards for size and ownership.

Sources & Official References

[1]Annapolis, MD Code of Ordinances — Zoning Code § 21.64.010

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions ADU Rental RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions ADU Owner OccupancySignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

How Annapolis compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland accessory structures overview

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