ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today signed into law Council Bill (CB) 25-2026 – Zoning Regulation Amendment (ZRA) 224 – Age Restricted Adult Housing Cottage Clusters. This legislation expands zoning authority for the Cottage Clusters housing type for older adults. Cottage clusters are considered a more affordable “missing middle housing” option that can fill a critical gap in Howard County’s housing supply and open the way for greater housing supply for older adults. Approved by the Howard County Council on Monday, June 1st, in a unanimous, bipartisan vote, CB25-2026 advances the broader goals of Howard County Government’s HoCo By Design General Plan and Housing Opportunities Master Plan. Photos from the event can be found on Howard County Government’s Flickr website.
This legislation represents an important step in addressing two of Howard County’s key challenges: affordable housing and the growth in our aging population. With this legislation, we are taking a meaningful step toward the kind of community we want to be – one where our older residents can age in place, downsize with dignity, and perhaps stay connected to neighborhoods that many have called home for decades.
Ball’s administration proposed ZRA 224 to permit Cottage Cluster Age-Restricted Adult Housing developments in Howard County to increase the amount of affordable “missing middle housing” options. This ZRA specifically defines a “Cottage Cluster” as “a grouping, including a common courtyard, of at least four detached dwelling units that have a footprint of no more than 1,200 square feet and does not include a basement.” Characteristically, cottage clusters are age-restricted adult housing consisting of small, thoughtfully designed communities of detached homes. These neighborhoods offer accessible, low-maintenance housing that blends seamlessly with surrounding areas while supporting comfort, independence, and community.
“According to the 2026 rental housing survey, there are more than 2,566 senior households with incomes between 30-60% of the area median income already living in our community”, said Kelly Cimino, Director of Housing and Community Development. “This legislation presents an opportunity to provide different housing types at varying price points to meet the demand for more age-restricted housing units.”.
The County’s HoCo By Design General Plan specifically describes a cluster of homes oriented around a common green space as one form of “missing middle housing.” As defined in HoCo By Design, missing middle housing refers to “a range of small- to medium-size home choices that are available at different price points” which are “compatible in scale and character with surrounding neighborhoods.” Moreover, the Dynamic Neighborhoods chapter of HoCo By Design calls for creating more diverse housing options throughout the county, increasing housing affordability and ensuring there are housing options for older adults, disabled populations, and those with special needs.
“As Howard County’s population continues to age, expanding the range of housing options available to older adults is essential,” said Ofelia Ross Ott, Administrator, Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office on Aging and Independence. “Cottage clusters represent a creative and forward-thinking solution that can help residents remain connected to their communities, maintain their independence, and access housing that is more affordable and manageable as their needs change. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring Howard County remains a place where people can successfully age in place and thrive at every stage of life.”
Furthermore, this ZRA adds Age-Restricted Adult Housing Cottage Clusters to the Residential: Environmental Development (R-ED), Planned Golf Course Community (PGCC), Residential: Single (R-20), Residential: Single (R-12), Residential: Single Cluster (R-SC), Residential: Single Attached (R-SA-8), Residential: Historic – Environmental (R-H-ED), Residential: Apartments (R-A-15), Residential: Apartments (R-APT), Business: Local (B-1), or Business: General (B-2) districts on parcels 20,000 square feet or greater up to 10 acres, and within the Public Service Area. The County’s Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) “Feasible ARAH Cottage Cluster Locations” map shows approximately 1,046 parcel locations that may have the potential for cottage clusters.
To learn more about cottage clusters, visit DPZ’s “Cottage Clusters” website.