Land Use - Middle Housing Options - Requirements

HB 778 requires Maryland counties to evaluate vacant or underused commercial and industrial land for potential housing development and update their comprehensive plans to include policies promoting "middle housing" (such as duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings). This applies to counties with comprehensive plans enacted or amended after January 1, 2027, and prohibits local governments from imposing unreasonable restrictions on middle housing projects. The bill mandates that housing elements of these plans assess opportunities for middle housing on suitable commercial or industrial sites. It aims to increase housing options by changing land-use rules without requiring specific housing types or income levels.