On April 21, 2025, Governor Wes Moore signed SB891/HB1466 into law, alongside Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones. This landmark legislation is a significant win for Maryland communities seeking more housing flexibility and a more responsive planning framework. AIA Maryland was honored to be invited by Senator Mary Washington to attend the bill signing, with Executive Director Jaclyn Faulkner and AIA member Deborah Buelow, AIA, present to mark the occasion.
Deborah Buelow, AIA, served on the task force that helped shape this legislation, bringing an architect’s insight into equitable, sustainable housing solutions. Her involvement underscores the essential role design professionals play in shaping public policy that affects the built environment.
What SB891/HB1466 Does
The bill provides a statewide policy framework to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—independent residential units located on the same lot as a primary dwelling—by right in areas zoned for single-family housing. These units may take the form of converted garages, basement apartments, detached backyard cottages, or additions to existing homes.
The legislation:
Removes unnecessary regulatory barriers that have historically prevented homeowners from building or renting ADUs.
Creates consistency across jurisdictions, eliminating patchwork local rules that often deter development.
Encourages housing diversity, making it easier for older adults to age in place, for families to live multi-generationally, and for communities to increase their supply of lower-cost housing options.
Supports sustainable development by allowing infill housing within existing neighborhoods, helping reduce sprawl and car dependency.
Maintains local design authority, allowing jurisdictions to establish guidelines related to size, placement, and architectural character.
Why It Matters for Planning & Zoning Professionals
For planners and zoning administrators, this legislation offers both a mandate and an opportunity. By October 1, 2026, all Maryland jurisdictions must update their planning and zoning codes to comply with the provisions of SB891/HB1466. This provides a critical window to:
Conduct meaningful community outreach and education.
Revisit comprehensive plans to support inclusive growth.
Align local design review standards with the bill’s intent while preserving neighborhood character.
Why It Matters for Architects
Architects are uniquely positioned to help clients and communities respond to this policy shift. The expanded allowance for ADUs opens the door for design professionals to:
Assist homeowners with creative and sustainable design solutions that meet new code allowances.
Collaborate with municipalities on form-based code development, pattern books, and ADU prototype designs.
Educate the public and decision-makers on how design can address housing needs without compromising neighborhood aesthetics.
This is also an opportunity for architects to advocate for quality, climate-resilient, and universally accessible ADU designs—ensuring that new units meet Maryland’s broader goals around housing equity and sustainability.
AIA Maryland’s Role in Advancing SB891/HB1466
AIA Maryland played a strategic and active role in the development and passage of SB891/HB1466, advocating for policies that align with the profession’s values of equity, sustainability, and design excellence. Here’s how the organization contributed:
Appointed Representation on the Task Force
AIA Maryland was represented by Deborah Buelow, AIA, who served on the Task Force to Study Accessory Dwelling Units, created by the Maryland General Assembly in 2023. Deborah brought the architect’s perspective to the table, advocating for thoughtful design, accessibility, and community cohesion in the policy recommendations.Policy Review and Recommendations
Through its Government Affairs Committee and Executive Director Jaclyn Faulkner, AIA Maryland reviewed early drafts of the bill and provided feedback to ensure that proposed legislation was compatible with design best practices and responsive to Maryland’s diverse communities.Stakeholder Engagement and Testimony
AIA Maryland engaged with allied professionals, including planners and housing advocates, to build a coalition of support. The organization also submitted testimony and communicated with legislators throughout the 2024 and 2025 sessions to promote the bill’s passage.Legislative Advocacy and Presence at the Bill Signing
AIA Maryland maintained consistent communication with the bill sponsors and legislative leadership, helping to clarify the benefits of ADUs from a design and community development standpoint. Executive Director Jaclyn Faulkner and Deborah Buelow, AIA, were invited to attend the official bill signing in recognition of their contributions.Implementation Support and Professional Guidance
Looking ahead, AIA Maryland will support architects and jurisdictions as they implement the bill by developing resources, offering guidance, and facilitating peer-to-peer learning around ADU design and zoning reform. The organization will continue to serve as a resource for best practices, community engagement, and design policy alignment.
To learn more about the bill, access resources, or connect with AIA Maryland for planning or educational support, visit aiamd.org or contact us at [email protected].
