Property at a glance
Quick facts about this address
What you can do here
Allowed · conditional · prohibitedUse categories under R-1 zoning
Full list in §17.20.040✓ Allowed by-right
- Single-family detachedYour current use · no further approval needed
- Home occupationUp to 25% of floor area · no exterior change
- Accessory structuresShed, gazebo, deck — under 200 sq ft
- Family child careUp to 8 children · MD state licensed
- Gardens & landscapingIncluding small fruit trees
- Solar & windRoof-mounted only · administrative review
? Conditional (needs approval)
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)Up to 800 sq ft · §17.50 · BZA review
- Short-term rentalLicense required · owner-occupied only
- Religious institutionSpecial exception · Planning Commission
- Bed & breakfastOwner-occupied · max 4 guest rooms
- Group homeUp to 8 residents · state-licensed
✗ Not allowed in R-1
- Multifamily apartments3+ units · would need R-3 rezoning
- Retail / commercialIncluding coffee shops, salons
- Office buildingsHome office is OK · standalone is not
- Light industrialAuto repair, warehousing, etc.
- Restaurants & barsNot permitted in residential zones
Dimensional standards
The size & shape rules · §17.20.060What R-1 requires & how your property compares
| Standard | R-1 requirement | Your property today |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum lot sizeSmallest a new parcel can be subdivided to | 6,000 sq ft | 4,180 sq ft · legal non-conforming |
| Front setbackDistance from house to street curb | 20 ft | 24 ft · compliant |
| Side setback (each)Distance from house to side property lines | 8 ft | 6 / 9 ft · one side non-conforming |
| Rear setbackDistance from house to back property line | 20 ft | 22 ft · compliant |
| Maximum heightTallest point of the structure | 35 ft | 22 ft · room to grow |
| Maximum lot coverageFootprint as % of total lot area | 35% | 26% · room to grow |
| Maximum impervious surfaceIncludes driveways & patios · Critical Area limit | 25% | 23% · near limit |
| Off-street parkingRequired spaces per dwelling | 2 spaces | 2 spaces · driveway · compliant |
Common projects — what each requires
For this specific propertySame materials, same footprint. No permit needed if you're not changing the roof structure or the architectural style. If solar, separate roof-mount review applies.
Kitchens, bathrooms, finished basements without changing the building's exterior or footprint. Building permit required but no zoning review. Most permits issued in 5–10 days.
You have room within setbacks and lot coverage limits. Building permit + Critical Area review required (you're in the Critical Area buffer). Allow 3–4 weeks. Impervious surface limit is your watchpoint.
Within the 35 ft height limit. Building permit + zoning verification. Side setback on west side may require minor adjustment to comply. Architectural drawings required.
R-1 allows ADUs as a conditional use. Your lot is below the 6,000 sq ft minimum, so you'd need a BZA variance. Typical process: 3–6 months, public hearing required. Recent ADU variances on Fourth St have been approved.
R-1 allows STRs only as owner-occupied (you must live on the property). Whole-house rentals are not permitted. Annual STR license from the city required. New STR enforcement (O-09-26) takes effect July 1, 2026.