Building Setbacks & Zoning in Howard County, MD (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Howard County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

In Howard County's common R-20 residential district, principal structures must sit at least 20 feet from the front lot line, 10 feet from side lines, and 30 feet from the rear. Larger setbacks apply along arterial or collector roads.

Building Setbacks in Howard County (R-20 District)

Some Restrictions

Howard County Zoning Regulations § 108.0.D.4.c (R-20 District)

Minimum setback requirements... c. From lot lines (1) Structures (a) Front .....20 feet ... (b) Side .....10 feet (c) Rear (i) Principal structure .....30 feet (ii) Accessory structure .....10 feet

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

In the R-20 residential district, a principal structure (house) may be up to 34 feet tall and an accessory structure up to 15 feet. Each Howard County zoning district sets its own maximum heights.

Building Height Limits in Howard County (R-20)

Some Restrictions

Howard County Zoning Regulations § 108.0.D.1 (R-20 District)

The following maximum height limitations shall apply: a. Principal structure .....34 feet b. Accessory structure .....15 feet

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Howard County's single-family zoning districts do not set a flat maximum lot-coverage percentage. Buildable area is controlled instead through minimum lot size, required setbacks, and open-space rules under the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

Lot Coverage and Open Space in Howard County

Some Restrictions

Howard County Zoning Regulations § 108.0.F (R-20 District)

Open space percentage and lot size shall be calculated pursuant to the Howard County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. In accordance with those regulations, developments that are eligible and elect to use the option for a smaller minimum lot size shall provide the required higher percentage of open space.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Howard County ordinances

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