Developers
The Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Program is an inclusionary zoning program that requires developers of new housing in certain zoning districts to sell or rent a portion of the dwelling units to households of moderate income. The MIHU regulations require that the program pricing and standards are set twice a year – January 1 and July 1.
The primary goals of the MIHU program are to increase the supply of housing that is affordable to households of moderate income in the County and to integrate that housing into all new communities. Moderate income is defined as household income less than 80% of the Howard County median income (AMI) for units for sale and household income less than 60% of the Howard County median income for rental units. The MIHU pricing and standards below provide information that is useful to developers, builders, management companies and program participants.
Once you've received your Technically Complete letter from the Department of Planning and Zoning, complete the appropriate form for sale or for rental and create an electronic copy of the plat. Please allow a minimum of 4-6 weeks for legal documents; more for alternative/optional compliance.
Click here for MIHU Pricing effective January 1, 2026
The MIHU program also provides alternative compliance options for developers, builders and management companies to encourage the development of low and disability income rental and homeownership opportunities in the County. “Low income” is defined as household income less than 60% of the Howard County median income for units for sale and household income less than 40% of the Howard County median income for rental units. Disability Income Housing Units are rentals for households that do not exceed 20% of the AMI and receive income based on a disability. The LIHU and DIHU pricing and standards are below.
Click here for LIHU/DIHU Pricing effective January 1, 2026
A developer can request alternative compliance in accordance with Section 13.402C of the Howard County Code by submitting this Fee In Lieu form to Quanita Kareem at qkareem@howardcountymd.gov.
Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) Waiver
- Section 16.1103(e) of the Howard County code
- The County Council may authorize the Department of Planning and Zoning to allow an affordable housing project to proceed that is located in a closed school attendance area
- More information can be found here.
Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)
In accordance with State Bill 538-2024, the methodology for PILOT requests for 2025 - 2030 is posted here. Please note that pursuant to Council Bill 18-2025, developers and property owners in the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning district must designate a minimum of 5% of the total units as Disability Income Housing Units and another 15% of the total units as a mix of Moderate Income Housing Units, Low Income Housing Units, or Disability Income Housing Units for consideration of a PILOT application in the TOD zoning district.
Click here for the request form - submit to Housing@howardcountymd.gov