ADU Task Force Meeting Summary - May 14, 2026

The Prince George's County Accessory Dwelling Units Task Force met on May 14, 2026, to finalize recommendations with the Planning Department. The meeting focused on refining key provisions for an ADU ordinance, including definitions, height standards, zoning, setbacks, owner-occupancy, amnesty for existing units, and sprinkler requirements. The task force engaged in detailed discussions and reached several consensus points, while leaving some items for further deliberation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ms. Monroe raised concerns about height compatibility, illegal structures, and the need for consistent code enforcement. She emphasized that ADUs should not tower over existing homes and supported a maximum height of 22 feet with the requirement that attached ADUs not exceed the primary structure's height.
• Ms. Russell questioned whether the rear setback could be reduced from 5 feet to 2 feet to accommodate existing structures, but after hearing fire safety and cost concerns, agreed that 5 feet was feasible.
• Ms. Abrams Davis supported owner-occupancy with carve-outs (e.g., for the sandwich generation) and advocated for an amnesty program to legalize safe existing ADUs. She also highlighted the need for minimum height standards and referenced universal design.
• Ms. Jo argued against mandatory owner-occupancy, stating it would unfairly restrict small homeowners who already rent out primary residences and wish to add ADUs for affordable housing. She urged the council not to overlook individual landlords in favor of large corporations.
• Ms. Sorrow strongly supported owner-occupancy to prevent ADUs from becoming investment businesses, noting that rental licensing already provides safety oversight.
• Mr. Campbell outlined added costs of small setbacks (surveys, access, fire safety) and supported 5 feet. He also noted the state bill HB1538 (requiring both internal and external ADUs) stalled in committee and is not law.
• Mr. Andrew supported amnesty but emphasized that life-safety requirements must not be waived. He cautioned against allowing ADUs to circumvent safety codes.
• Ms. Martin Russell raised concerns about maximum occupancy in ADUs and requested that occupancy limits be clearly referenced in the ordinance.

Discussion Items

• ADU Definition: The planning department recommended defining ADUs as a distinct residential use separate from accessory structures, explicitly as a self-contained dwelling unit with kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Task force members agreed.
• Height Standards: The task force debated whether to restrict attached ADUs to the primary structure's roofline and set a 22-foot cap for detached units. Issues of slope and neighborhood compatibility were discussed. Consensus emerged: attached ADUs shall not exceed the height of the primary structure; detached ADUs shall not exceed 22 feet nor the height of the primary structure, with exceptions for slope to be addressed in code language.
• Zoning Applicability: The task force originally limited ADUs to single-family detached zones. Planning staff suggested allowing ADUs in all zones where single-family detached dwellings are permitted (e.g., RSFA, AG). A clear table for residents was recommended. The task force did not revisit the exclusion of townhouses.
• Setback Requirements: Planning staff recommended a minimum 5-foot setback for detached ADUs due to fire safety and livability standards. Task force members acknowledged the rationale and supported 5 feet, despite earlier consideration of 2 feet.
• Owner Occupancy: The task force had previously recommended that one dwelling unit be owner-occupied. Planning staff proposed flexibility for exemptions (e.g., medical, caregiving). After debate, the task force leaned toward requiring owner-occupancy with carve-outs for temporary absences and caregiving situations. No final vote was taken; further research was requested.
• Amnesty Framework: Planning staff presented a concept to legalize existing unpermitted ADUs by bringing them into compliance, focusing on safety rather than demolition. Several members supported the idea but stressed that life-safety codes must be met. The task force agreed to include an amnesty recommendation.
• Sprinkler Requirements: The existing county code requires sprinklers for new residential structures. Task force previously endorsed this. Planning staff raised cost concerns, especially for existing homes without sprinklers. Discussion included size thresholds and exemptions if the primary dwelling lacks sprinklers. No change was made to the recommendation, but staff were asked to explore cost-mitigation options.

Key Outcomes

• Consensus on Key Points:
  • ADU definition as a dwelling unit with kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, distinct from accessory structures.
  • Height: Attached ADU not exceed primary structure; detached ADU not exceed 22 feet nor primary structure height, with slope considerations.
  • Setbacks: Minimum 5 feet for detached ADUs.
  • Zoning: ADUs by right where single-family detached is permitted; clear table to be created.
  • Amnesty: Task force supports a framework to legalize existing unpermitted ADUs through safety compliance.
• Owner Occupancy: No final vote; task force directed further research on carve-outs and potential limitations.
• Sprinklers: Requirement affirmed; planning department to explore thresholds and cost relief.
• Drafting Authorized: The planning department will begin drafting ordinance language concurrent with finalizing recommendations.
• Next Steps: The task force may hold one more meeting to finalize recommendations before the June 8 legislative deadline. Members will vote by email on any updates to previous decisions. The chair will compile a unified document.