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Occupancy limits in 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.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Montgomery County before you build.

The details

  • Overall occupancy is also limited by Chapter 26's space-per-person rules.Medium confidence
  • Household definition from § 59-1.4.2.Medium confidence

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Common questions

How many unrelated people may share a house in Montgomery County?
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.

Sources

  1. Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Article 59-3 use standards (Zoneomics copy of the official text). Checked 2026-10-21
    [Urban farming] One fowl may be kept for every 1,000 square feet of lot or parcel area; roosters are prohibited... [This standard] does not apply to the keeping of bees... Home Occupation (No Impact): the maximum number of visits and deliveries... is 5 per …
  2. Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance § 59-1.4.2, definition of household (Zoneomics copy). Checked 2026-10-21
    [Household:] any number of people related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship; up to 5 unrelated people; or 2 unrelated people and any children, parents, siblings, or other persons related to either of them.

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.