Accessory Structures in Wicomico County, MD (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Wicomico County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In unincorporated Wicomico County, an accessory apartment needs Board of Appeals special exception approval under Zoning Code § 225-60 and is capped at one per lot. The unit cannot exceed 50% of the principal dwelling's living area, and it is barred entirely on lots with a Type II or Type III home-based business.
Wicomico County Accessory Apartment Rules
Some RestrictionsWicomico County Code § 225-60
A. An accessory apartment may be permitted, provided that there shall be no more than one accessory apartment permitted per lot and provided such accessory apartment shall comply with the following standards. B. Applicability. An accessory apartment may be permitted as a special exception: (1) On the same lot as a detached single-family dwelling unit or two-family dwelling. (2) An accessory apa...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In unincorporated Wicomico County, an accessory apartment only qualifies as a legal use if it sits within an owner-occupied single-family residence or accessory building on a lot of at least 20,000 square feet. County Code § 225-25 ties the definition itself to owner occupancy, and § 225-60 requires Board of Appeals special-exception approval, capping the unit at half the principal dwelling's size.
Wicomico County Accessory Apartment Owner-Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsWicomico County Code §§ 225-25, 225-60
ACCESSORY APARTMENT Not more than one apartment unit as an accessory use within an owner-occupied single-family residence or an accessory building on the same lot, on a minimum lot of 20,000 square feet, provided that: (1) The apartment shall be no larger than 50% of the square footage of the residence. (2) All parking for the apartment is appropriately located as specified by the Board of Appe...
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Wicomico County, a portable, one-level accessory structure of 250 square feet or less skips the building permit if it sits outside a floodplain. Bigger or floodplain sheds need a permit from the Chief Building Official. Wherever it lands, an accessory building in a residential district must sit at least five feet off the side or rear property line.
Wicomico County Shed Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsWicomico County Code §§ 117-5 and 225-70
Portable one-level accessory structure not exceeding 250 square feet and that is not in a floodplain. ... All accessory buildings and structures shall be contained within the setback requirements as established for the front, rear and side setback requirement provisions of the principal building within each district, except as enumerated below or as specifically required in this article: ... No...
Garage Conversions
Converting an attached garage into living space in unincorporated Wicomico County creates an accessory apartment, which Zoning Code § 225-60D lists as one of only three approved conversion methods. The county still requires Board of Appeals special exception approval, and the converted space cannot add a second street-facing entrance unless the house already had one before the work began.
Wicomico County Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsWicomico County Code § 225-60(D)
D. Attached accessory apartment development standards. All attached accessory apartments should meet the following: (1) An accessory apartment may only be created through the following methods: (a) Converting existing living area, attic, basement or attached garage; (b) Adding floor area; (c) Construction of new principal dwelling with an internal accessory apartment or a new attached dwelling ...
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