MarylandHB 11372026 Regular SessionHouse

Residential-in-Commercial-Zone Laws - Study (Bring Back Main Street Act)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Apartments allowed on commercial parcels in large counties

Beginning June 1, 2026, counties with more than 150,000 people allow multifamily or mixed-use as a permitted use on parcels zoned commercial or recreational that have water and sewer service. This opens more sites for housing without a special approval process. This rule ends May 31, 2027.

Private covenants can't block housing

Beginning June 1, 2026, if you have exclusive use of a property and follow all laws, private deed or HOA rules cannot unreasonably block residential or mixed‑use construction. Rules that greatly raise costs or ban multifamily count as unreasonable. This does not apply to properties listed in or eligible for the Maryland Register of Historic Properties. This protection ends May 31, 2027.

Affordable unit rules and definitions

Beginning June 1, 2026, a county cannot make a permitted development include a higher share of affordable units than it already requires in residential zones. The law defines affordable as housing costs at or below 30% of income. It defines an affordable unit as for households at or below 60% of HUD area median income, adjusted for household size. These rules apply in counties with more than 150,000 people and end May 31, 2027.

Fewer zoning hurdles, some local limits

Beginning June 1, 2026, in counties with more than 150,000 people, permitted multifamily or mixed-use projects face fewer local rules. Counties cannot set lower density, larger setbacks, lot size or coverage limits, or require private open space or most paving. Counties also cannot set minimum off‑street parking beyond what federal law requires. But counties may require on‑site parking, dedicate up to 20% of floor area to retail, and regulate siting and design. These rules end May 31, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Nick Allen
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 35

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/23/2026