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HB 239

Land Use - Zoning - Limitations (Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026)

2026 Regular Session

Maryland bill relaxes local zoning rules to enable faster development of affordable starter homes for first-time buyers and senior housing, reducing regulatory barriers to increase housing supply.

Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 239

Legislative bill overview

HB 239, the Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026, modifies Maryland's zoning regulations to facilitate development of affordable housing units targeted at first-time homebuyers and seniors. The bill limits local zoning restrictions to enable faster, less-regulated construction of these designated affordable housing types.

Why is this important

Housing affordability is a critical issue in Maryland, where median home prices have outpaced wage growth significantly. This bill attempts to address that by removing zoning barriers that developers cite as obstacles to building affordable units, potentially increasing housing supply for two vulnerable populations: young adults entering the market and elderly residents on fixed incomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control concerns: Municipalities may resist state-level restrictions on their zoning authority, viewing this as government overreach into community land-use planning traditionally controlled locally
  • Neighborhood character: Residents in established communities may worry about density increases, parking impacts, and changes to neighborhood character from rapid development of new housing types
  • Definitions and loopholes: The specific price thresholds defining "starter" and "silver" homes, and whether developers can genuinely provide affordable units while remaining profitable, remain unclear without bill language details

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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