Building Setbacks & Zoning in Charles County, MD (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Charles County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Charles County's Zoning Ordinance sets out exactly how front, side and rear yard setbacks are measured and where they can be reduced. Front yard depth is measured from the road right-of-way or common access easement, and specific numeric reductions apply for open-space, garage and solar-oriented designs.
Charles County Yard Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-26
Front yard depth. The minimum front yard depth, as specified in this chapter, shall be measured in the following manner: From the proposed or established public or private road right-of-way line or common access easement... Group parking. When off-street group parking is provided for three or more dwelling units and each dwelling unit is designed without a parking pad or garage, the front yard ...
Structure Height Limits
Charles County exempts specific structures, houses of worship, towers, steeples, antennas, roof equipment and industrial towers, from its zone height limits, but only under set conditions. Tall accessory buildings like churches must add extra yard depth, and industrial towers are capped at 25% of the lot and set back 50 feet.
Charles County Building Height Exceptions
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-27
General exceptions. The building height limitations of this chapter shall not apply to the following: Houses of worship, private schools, hospitals or high-rise apartment dwellings, provided that the front, side and rear yards shall be increased not less than one foot for each two feet by which said structure exceeds the height limitation established for the zone in which said structure is loca...
Lot Coverage Limits
Charles County caps impervious surface on every lot at the impervious surface ratio (ISR) set for that property's zone in the Schedule of Zone Regulations. Buildings, roads, sidewalks, patios and any concrete or asphalt paving all count toward the cap, enforced under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 297.
Charles County Lot Coverage Limit
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-300
Impervious surfaces (surfaces that do not absorb rain, including all buildings, roads, sidewalks, patios, parking areas and any other areas paved in concrete or asphalt) shall not occupy more than the established impervious surface ratio (ISR) contained in the Schedule of Zone Regulations (Articles VI through VIII). Efforts to minimize impervious surfaces shall be encouraged.
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