ADUs a sensible way to grow Anne Arundel County
America is in the middle of an affordable housing crisis. And the reason why is obvious. There is simply not enough housing.
That is as true here in Maryland as it is nationwide, with the Maryland Realtors estimating the state is short 120,000 housing units. Yet in 2021, Maryland only authorized around 18,000 new units statewide. In that year, Anne Arundel County represented just about 10%t of that growth. In short, Anne Arundel needs to add housing.
In just 20 years, our county is expected to welcome nearly 100,000 new residents. If we want to welcome a diverse array of individuals, from young teachers to retirees, we have to allow a range of affordable housing options. A lot of them.
Anne Arundel County is proactively addressing the need with a bill allowing property owners to convert existing space within their single-family homes, or add a small detached structure, to accommodate additional residents. These accessory dwelling units, or “ADUs” — also known as mother-in-law suites or granny flats — are a popular and easy way to create additional density within the existing built environment. The bill implements a key ADU recommendation of Plan2040 passed last year. Already the council has overwhelming support from nine in-person testimonials along with 19 letters of support and only one letter in opposition.
That this reform is even necessary proves just how misguided our current policies are. It should not be illegal to convert a garage into an additional living space so an elderly loved one can live out their years with dignity and in the company of family. Nor should a homeowner in need of additional income be forbidden from renting to someone to help make ends meet. Eliminating restrictions like these is a critical first step in tackling an issue that matters to everyone — the ability to find an affordable place to live.
Of course, Anne Arundel can’t solve America’s housing crisis by passing one local reform. But it can act as an example for other locales whose council members share the vision and fortitude necessary to do their part. For housing to be truly accessible to everyone, people need a vast menu of options to meet the varying and diverse needs of our nation. ADUs are a critical item on that menu. For those worried ADUs will pop up everywhere, let’s be very realistic: Where similar rules are in place nationwide, just a few new ADUs were created, so fears of parking problems and school crowding are unfounded. The ADU concept isn’t new. Row homes in Washington, D.C., and New York City were frequently built with “English” basements intended to be rented.
Homes across the Midwest have small apartments above garages. Even Fonzie from the Happy Days sitcom lived in one!
Legalizing ADUs allows homeowners to expand living options without changing a neighborhood’s appearance or creating traffic or school crowding ( just 11% of ADU residents have school-age children).
The Anne Arundel County Council has the opportunity to join other locales — like Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia; Durham, North Carolina; and the entire state of California in passing reforms making it easier to create new and affordable housing options with ADUs. They should do it.
Greg Cantori owns Little Deeds, Inc., a Certified Aging in Place handyman business focused on adapting homes for elderly and disabled residents. He is the former president and CEO of Maryland Nonprofits, and former executive director of The Knott Foundation, Downtown Sailing Center, and Light Street Housing. You can contact him at greg@littledeeds.com