Residential-in-Commercial-Zone Laws - Study (Bring Back Main Street Act)

SB 829, the "Bring Back Main Street Act," requires certain Maryland counties to permit multifamily developments (buildings with five or more dwelling units sharing common walls) and mixed-use developments (residential plus non-residential uses where non-residential is under 50% of space and limited to first floors) as standard zoning. It prohibits counties from imposing restrictions on these developments, such as limiting height or density, while allowing counties to require a minimum percentage of retail space and on-site parking. The bill directly affects counties, developers, and communities by streamlining approval for housing projects that combine residential and commercial uses. This change aims to increase housing options in areas where such developments were previously restricted under local zoning rules.