MD HB778

Local jurisdictions must allow middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and town houses) by right on vacant lots that existed before January 1, 2015 in single-family zoning districts, and on at least 25% of lots in new subdivisions with 20+ lots

Counties must evaluate vacant, unused, or underutilized commercial and industrial land for housing suitability, with comprehensive plans enacted or amended after January 1, 2027 required to include this assessment and recommendations for authorizing housing on suitable parcels

Local jurisdictions are prohibited from imposing unreasonable limitations on middle housing applications related to height, setbacks, bulk, parking, or dimensions that would effectively prohibit development

Middle housing must be limited to areas served by public water and sewer systems, and may require no more than one off-street parking space per unit if adequate on-street parking exists

The bill takes effect January 1, 2027 and exempts historic properties listed in or eligible for the Maryland Register of Historic Properties