Planning commission approves two‑bedroom ADU rules, sends package to town council to meet state deadline

The Chesapeake Beach Planning and Zoning Commission voted May 20 to adopt updated accessory‑dwelling‑unit (ADU) conditions and standards and forward the package to the town council for introduction and adoption.

Planner Miss Franklin told the commission the state requires updated ADU regulations by Oct. 1, 2026. To meet that deadline, staff prepared an interim amendment to the existing code rather than the full draft rewrite. Key points in the approved package: ADUs may be no larger than 75% of the primary dwelling’s above‑grade living area as recorded by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT); ADUs must be on owner‑occupied lots; detached ADUs need separate ingress/egress and must be set back 8 feet from the principal structure; conversions of existing structures must have vehicular access from a road (not an alley); and the commission adopted a two‑bedroom limit for ADUs after debate.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and infrastructure implications: staff said parking requirements will remain under the code (two off‑street spaces per dwelling) but that a specialized parking study guided by state guidance is required before changing the parking standard; staff also flagged water and sewer tap concerns for larger exterior ADUs.

The commission’s motion to adopt the two‑bedroom ADU language and forward the conditions and standards to the town council passed on a voice vote. Staff said the commission will ask council to introduce the amendment in August so the council has time to adopt it by September and meet the Oct. 1 state deadline.

Why it matters: The change implements a state‑mandated update and clarifies owner‑occupancy, size and siting rules expected to affect homeowners considering basement conversions, detached units, or rental uses. The commission retained the owner‑occupancy requirement to limit speculative conversions tied to short‑term rentals.

What’s next: Planning staff will finalize text, pursue the required parking study, and present the ADU package to the town council for introduction in August and adoption before the state compliance date.