Zoning Review

The following is intended as a brief overview for obtaining your Accessory Apartment Use Permit. Please read the Declaration of Understanding (DOU) checklist for a complete overview of the Accessory Apartment Use Permit process found at Declaration of Understanding.

1. The application and approval process begins by applying here:
   Apply Now
   • Click on the Permits tab.
   • Log in or create an account.
   • Read and accept the General Disclaimer.
   • Click on: Continue Application.
   • From Permit Type, select Accessory Apartment Use Permit.
   • Enter all necessary data and upload all required documents and submit application.
2. Zoning Review will review your application and forward to the Director of PAI for an electronic signature.
3. The e-signed DOU and electronic signature affidavit, both signed by the director will be emailed back to you. The DOU, property description, site plan and floor plans must accompany your Land Records submission (because the director has e-signed the documents, the signature affidavit must accompany your submittal to Land Records).
4. About 7 to 14 days after submitting your documents to Land Records, you will receive a validated copy of the DOU from their office (the validated copy is what Zoning needs as proof the DOU has been recorded). This must be uploaded to your Use Permit Application before Zoning signs off on the permit.

The number of clients are based on lot size and other factors, not size of dwelling/number of bedrooms in the dwelling. Often times, the client count will not exceed five. Call Zoning if you have questions related to client count. Questions regarding sprinkler requirements should be directed to Building Plans Review by calling 410-887-3985.

• Assisted Living Facility I—A dwelling built at least five years before the date of application and accommodates fewer than eight resident clients.
• Assisted Living Facility II—A dwelling built at least five years before the date of application and accommodates fewer than eight to 15 resident clients.

View the assisted living facilities checklist.

A tourist home that provides rooms for paying guests on an overnight basis not to exceed 14 days. Bed and breakfast are allowed in a building originally constructed as a single-family dwelling that has historic value or significance, and may include accessory structures. This Use Permit must be renewed annually. View the bed and breakfast checklist.

Three or more individuals, not related by blood, marriage/adoption residing in a single home. A Boarding or Rooming Use Permit can only be obtained for a single-family detached dwelling in a DR Zone. Use Permit must be renewed annually. View the boarding or rooming house checklist.

Zoning Review may issue a Use Permit for business parking in a residential zone. View the business parking/residential zone checklist.

• Child Care/Adult Care Center Class A—A child care or adult care center with no more than 12 children or 12 adults at a time. View the class A checklist.
• Child Care/ Adult Care Center Class B—13 or more children or 13 or more adults. Does not require a Use Permit, however Zoning approval is still necessary. Read the approval process of a Class B.

Donation bins are an unattended stationary or freestanding container, receptacle, drop-off box, small trailer, or similar small device or facility that is placed outdoors and is used for the solicitation and donation of items of personal property to be donated or recycled for reuse. Use Permit must be renewed biennially.

A Use Permit is required for the temporary placement of a dumpster. The Use Permit application should include a site plan to ensure the dumpster will be placed in an acceptable location. View the dumpster use checklist.

Any music involving a live performance at a business or other commercial venue. Live musical entertainment may include musical ensembles, solo performers and the presentation of music played on sound equipment operated by an individual. The Use Permit must be renewed annually. View the live music entertainment checklist.

To assist restaurants and bars with recovery, the County Executive has authorized outdoor dining service for Baltimore County restaurants. This Use Permit must be renewed annually. 

• Farmer’s Roadside Stands—A place used for the sale of indigenous farm products, the majority of which have been grown and produced on the premises or adjacent land farmed by the same agricultural producer. Permitted by right, with a Use Permit in RC2, RC3, RC4 or RC5 Zones. View the farmer's roadside stands checklist.
• Flowers and Snowball Stands—A temporary/seasonal Use Permit. Flowers stands may not exceed 120 days in a calendar year. Snowball stands may not exceed six months in a calendar year. Permanent snowball stands must comply with all Zoning Regulations. Use Permit must be renewed annually. View the flowers and snowball stands checklist.

An undersized lot is a lot that does not meet the minimum length, width or area requirements. If the lot can be developed with no further zoning relief (i.e., complies with setbacks and other regulations) and you have an active building permit, simply apply for a Use Permit. View the undersized lot checklist.

If you cannot meet the setbacks or further zoning relief is necessary, a special hearing or variance will be required.