Learn More About Proposed Regulations for Accessory Apartments at Community Meetings

[Howard Hartman]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2012

Learn More About Proposed Regulations for
Accessory Apartments at Community Meetings

SILVER SPRING – To inform residents about proposed regulations governing accessory apartments in Montgomery County, planners will host meetings on Monday, May 21 at Park and Planning Headquarters. The meetings provide an opportunity for residents to learn more and provide feedback on the draft regulations before the Planning Board considers them for a second time in June.

As Montgomery County housing costs continue to increase, the rental market is becoming increasingly attractive to people who cannot afford to buy a home or do not want to maintain one. Young professionals, seniors and others seeking to live in the suburbs may find accessory apartments built within homes or on single-family properties an attractive option.

Accessory apartments have been permitted throughout Montgomery County for decades. In the 1980s, county policymakers established accessory apartment provisions to provide more affordable housing for county residents. The units provide a source of income and/or allow family members, such as seniors, to stay in their homes with caregivers.

Now, accessory apartments are granted by special exceptions by the county Board of Appeals. In virtually all cases, applications for accessory apartment special exceptions are granted.

The proposed regulations, a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to be considered by the County Council after the Planning Board makes a recommendation, would better define accessory apartments and firm up the decision-making criteria now used in special exception cases. For example, the regulations would quantify the application process, limiting accessory apartments based on the location of existing units in the neighborhood.

The proposed regulations also would allow small, attached accessory apartments to be licensed and approved by right, without the time or expense required by the special exception process. Small apartments would be up to 800 square feet; large units would range from 801 to 1,200 square feet.

Learn more about the proposed regulations and let planners know what you think at our community meetings. Each meeting will include a brief presentation by staff, a question-and-answer session, and additional time to interact directly with staff. View the schedule on the accessory apartments webpage. Can't attend? Let us know what you think by using our online comment board.

Meeting Dates & Location

Session 1: 3-4:30 p.m. Monday, May 21
Session 2: 7-9 p.m. Monday, May 21
Park and Planning Headquarters auditorium
8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring

Learn More

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