ADUs in Howard, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore Counties (Maryland)

[Aaron S.]

All,

I'm new to real estate investing. Looking to buy a SFH in one of these counties, with the intent to convert a basement into an ADU and rent it out (short or long term) - and live in the main unit as owner-occupied. Does anyone have any experience / can advise on the process in each of these counties?

It looks like in Baltimore county, you can't rent out an ADU unless it's to family members. (https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/853/topics/1171225-pote...) What are the rules on that?

I've heard that Howard county allows building and renting out ADUs, but the permitting and becoming a landlord process can be a pain.

Looks like Anne Arundel allows building ADUs and renting out short-term (but not long-term?), as long as it's not zoned R22-Residential (https://www.aacounty.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/adu-fac...). Overall, it sounds to me like the process might be easiest here. Can anyone confirm that?

In general, I'm looking to learn: Does the county allow building and renting out an ADU, either short or long term? What's the permitting process like for both building out the ADU and obtaining a license to rent it out?

Thanks!