Baltimore County, MD Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)
Tiny home rules in Baltimore County, MD, covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds, determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Key Facts
- Dedicated tiny-home zone
- None in county
- Path to legal
- Accessory apartment (BCZR 400.4)
- Max size
- 1,200 or 800 sq ft
- Occupancy
- Family members only
- Detached unit
- Special Hearing required
Summary
Baltimore County has no separate tiny-home zoning category. A tiny house on a permanent foundation can qualify only as an accessory apartment in a detached accessory building under BCZR 400.4, capped at 1,200 sq ft (1+ acre) or 800 sq ft (smaller lots), family-occupied, with a Special Hearing.
The size of the accessory apartment may not exceed: 1,200 square feet if located on a lot one acre or greater; 800 square feet if located on a lot less than one acre, and the accessory building shall comply with the requirements of Section 400.
Full Breakdown
There is no distinct tiny-home ordinance in Baltimore County. A tiny dwelling would be regulated as an accessory apartment under BCZR Section 400.4 if in a detached accessory building on an owner-occupied lot, subject to a Special Hearing and Use Permit. Its size may not exceed 1,200 square feet on a lot of one acre or more, or 800 square feet on a smaller lot, and it must be clearly smaller than the principal dwelling. Occupancy is limited to family members, separate utility meters are generally prohibited, and the structure must meet Section 400 height, location, size, and setback rules.
Violations & Fines
Occupying an unpermitted tiny dwelling or exceeding the size or occupancy limits is a zoning violation subject to PAI enforcement and Use Permit termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a tiny house in my backyard?
Are tiny homes on wheels allowed as permanent housing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
Compare Baltimore County to another location·View the Maryland accessory structures overview
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