Housing (Historic Preservation)

HB 1279 modifies Maryland's Catalytic Revitalization Project Tax Credit program to expand eligibility and adjust credit calculations. It updates definitions to include properties formerly owned by the federal government or state, or those formerly used as schools/hospitals, and clarifies income thresholds for "workforce housing" (e.g., 60-150% area median income in designated areas). The bill changes how tax credits are claimed: for workforce housing projects, 50% of the credit applies to workforce units in the first year, with 33% of non-workforce costs spread over three subsequent years. This directly affects developers and property owners rehabilitating qualifying properties seeking state tax credits. The changes aim to simplify claiming while expanding opportunities for projects in targeted communities.

HB 1236 modifies Maryland law to prevent restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs - secondary housing units on the same property as a primary home) from applying to historic properties. It specifically exempts two categories: (1) properties listed in or eligible for Maryland’s Historic Register, and (2) properties within districts designated as historic under local zoning rules. This means property owners in historic districts can develop or rent ADUs without facing prohibitions based solely on historic designation. The bill does not change general ADU rules outside historic areas but ensures historic preservation rules cannot block ADU development in these zones.