Occupancy limits across the DC area
How many unrelated people may share a house? The rules differ at every jurisdiction line. Here is the short answer for each.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.
| Where | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | Up to six unrelated people may live together as one household. An accessory apartment is limited to 3 occupants. |
| Montgomery County, MD | A household is any number of related people, up to 5 unrelated people, or 2 unrelated adults with their relatives. An ADU may house no more than 2 adults. |
| Prince George's County, MD | A family is any number of related people, or not more than five people who aren't all related. |
| Alexandria, VA | Alexandria's zoning ordinance has no family definition (§ 2-143 is reserved), so zoning sets no cap on unrelated occupants. Space-per-person limits come from the Virginia Maintenance Code. |
| Arlington County, VA | A household may be any number of relatives, or up to four people whether or not related. |
| Fairfax County, VA | A household may be any number of relatives, or up to four unrelated people. A family may add up to two roomers. |
Towns and cities inside these counties (for example, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Laurel, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church) have their own rules.