The Montgomery County Council voted 10-1 on Tuesday, November 10, to pass Bill 41-26, which aims to make it easier for homeowners to create accessory dwelling units (ADUs), such as basement apartments, garage apartments and backyard cottages.
The legislation, led by Councilmember Andrew Friedson and Council President Natali Fani-González, removes the requirement that property owners live on-site to operate an ADU. However, individual owners would be limited to two ADU rental licenses.
The bill also waives certain County fees for homeowners who agree to rent their ADUs at affordable rates to households earning 65% or less of the area median income for at least 10 consecutive years…