ADU Rules in Towson, Maryland

Towson is the county seat of Baltimore County, Maryland — an unincorporated community of about 57,000 north of Baltimore City. There is no incorporated City of Towson. Despite being the administrative center of Baltimore County, Towson is an unincorporated CDP. All zoning and permitting is handled by Baltimore County — which is entirely separate from Baltimore City. Home to Towson University and several hospitals, Towson is a significant commercial and educational center.

CRITICAL: Towson is Baltimore County, NOT Baltimore City

Towson is the seat of Baltimore County — a jurisdiction completely separate from Baltimore City. Do not use Baltimore City permits for Towson properties.

All ADU permits, zoning questions, and inspections go through:

• Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
• Baltimore County Office of Planning

Baltimore County ADU Rules

Baltimore County's Zoning Regulations govern ADUs in Towson. Verify current ADU requirements with the Baltimore County Department of Planning.

Permitted ADU Types

Per Baltimore County Zoning Regulations (verify current standards):

• Accessory apartments: Within or attached to primary structure
• Detached ADUs: Subject to Baltimore County standards

Verify current provisions with Baltimore County Office of Planning.

Setbacks

Per Baltimore County residential zone:

• Rear: Minimum setback
• Side: Minimum setback

Towson University

Towson University is an unincorporated campus in Towson. The campus is not on Baltimore County's zoning map for residential purposes — the university's presence creates student rental housing demand in the surrounding neighborhoods. Verify rental registration requirements with Baltimore County.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed — Stormwater

Towson is in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Baltimore County has stormwater management requirements that may apply to ADU construction.

Historic Districts

Some Towson areas have historic designation. Verify historic status with Baltimore County Historic Preservation office.

Permit Process

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm your property is in Baltimore County (not Baltimore City)
2. Verify zoning: Baltimore County Office of Planning
3. Historic review: If in a historic district
4. Submit plans: Baltimore County Dept. of Permits, Approvals and Inspections
5. Building permit and inspections
6. CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections 105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 103, Towson, MD 21204 Phone: (410) 887-3620 Website: baltimorecountymd.gov

Disclaimer: There is no City of Towson — Baltimore County governs (separate from Baltimore City). Verify current ADU standards with Baltimore County before starting any project.