Mayor and Council to Hold Public Hearing on Accessory Structures and Accessory Dwelling Units

The Mayor and Council will hold a virtual public hearing, during their Monday, May 10 meeting, on potential changes to regulations that govern residential accessory buildings in single-family neighborhoods.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. To testify, call 240-314-8280 by 10 a.m. the day of the hearing or by submitting testimony in writing to [email protected] or City Clerk/Director of Council Operations, City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850.

The amendments to the city’s zoning code under discussion would revise the regulations for accessory buildings and also allow the placement of accessory dwellings within accessory buildings. Under the proposal, an accessory apartment within the main house would also be allowed.

An accessory building is a detached structure in the rear yard, such as a shed or garage.

An accessory apartment is a small living unit, separate from but enclosed within the main house.

An accessory dwelling unit is a second, smaller dwelling on the same grounds as the main, single-family house but in an accessory building. Examples of these include an apartment over a garage or a smaller, separate structure (on a foundation) in the backyard.

Read more details about the proposed revisions or contact Jim Wasilak, zoning and development manager, at 240-314-8211 or [email protected] for more information.