New county rules could let homeowners add a basement apartment or backyard cottage for the first time in years. Here is what is moving, and what it means for your home.
An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a smaller second home on the same lot as a single family house. Think basement apartment, attic suite, or backyard cottage. Since the county rewrote its zoning code, creating a new one has not been allowed anywhere in Prince George's County.
That is changing. Maryland passed a law in 2025 (HB 1466) requiring every county to allow ADUs on single family lots by October 1, 2026. Two county bills carry out that requirement.
Permits an ADU on lots with a single family detached home, with rules that keep the unit smaller than the main house.
Proposed rules under discussion include an owner occupancy requirement, a new notice requirement, limits on short term rentals of ADUs, and how patios and walkways count toward lot coverage.
Earlier this year, the Maryland General Assembly considered the Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026, which would have reduced side yard setbacks and allowed more lot coverage on single family lots statewide. The bill did not reach a final vote, but the town expects similar legislation to return and is monitoring it closely.
Good to know: University Park does not set its own zoning. Properties in town follow the Prince George's County Zoning Ordinance, and the town can comment on proposed development within one mile of its borders.
Local committees are where zoning conversations start. Most meetings are hybrid, so you can join from home.
The town committee that reviews local development and county zoning proposals. Members of the public join online.
Zoom meeting ID 245 708 5030, passcode 028037. Call in: 301 715 8592.
Agendas and online links are posted in the town Agenda Center before each meeting.
Decides zoning and land use cases for most of the county. Hearing schedules are posted online.
Zoning activity across the county has been busy. In September 2026 alone, county bodies approved 29 zoning items across 17 public meetings. Closer to home, a development case at 6203 Ager Road in Hyattsville received an extension approval in February 2026.
Ask whether a home could support an ADU. A lot with room for a cottage or a basement with a separate entrance may hold more long term value than the listing shows.
ADU potential can be a real selling point once the rules are final. Know what your lot allows before you price and market your home.
An ADU could help you age in place, house family, or offset your costs. Watch the final rules before you design or budget anything.
Gary can walk you through what your lot may allow, how it affects value, and who to talk to next. Se habla español.
