About
Proposed cottage clusters in Howard County are age-restricted adult housing consisting of small, thoughtfully designed communities of detached homes, each under 900 square feet. These neighborhoods offer accessible, low-maintenance housing that blends seamlessly with surrounding areas while supporting comfort, independence, and community.
*photo on right features Greenwood Avenue Cottages in Shoreline, WA: eight small homes on four standard lots. (Photo by: Ross Chapin Architects)
Overview
The proposed cottage clusters are a group of at least four small, detached homes (each under 900 square feet) arranged around a shared courtyard. Cottage clusters are for age-restricted adult housing, meaning it is specifically designed for older adults, and must include a clear plan for how those age requirements will be maintained over time, through a homeowners or condominium association.
The homes and landscaping must blend in with nearby neighborhoods by using similar design elements or added buffers like trees and open space. Each home faces a shared courtyard with amenities like walking paths, seating, and recreation areas, and the design must include accessibility features to support residents with mobility or functional needs, creating a safe, comfortable, and community-oriented living environment.
Webinar: April 7, 2026
Review the Age-Restricted Adult Housing Cottage Clusters presentation from the Department of Planning and Zoning webinar on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Legislation
Review the ZRA-224 petition currently under consideration by the Planning Board.
Cottage Cluster Layouts
Cottage cluster living, at its full potential, can consist of thoughtfully arranged homes oriented around vibrant shared courtyards creating a true sense of community. This approach to design fosters connection, encourages outdoor activity, and makes smart use of space while still preserving the comfort and privacy of individual homes.
The result is a welcoming, people-centered neighborhood that feels both close-knit and open, offering a fresh vision for how communities can grow and thrive together.
Cottage Cluster Map
This Cottage Cluster Map featured displays approximately 921 parcel locations that may have the potential for Cottage Clusters. The criteria for Cottage Clusters is:
- Property must be within the Public Service Area (PSA)
- Must have a minimum lot size of 20,000 sf
- Must be within an Optional Design Project
- Is potentially available in these districts only: R-ED, PGCC, R-20, R-12, R-SC, R-SA-8, R-H-ED, R-A-15, R-APT, B-1 or B-2
- It is not guaranteed that all properties shown on this map could accommodate Cottage Cluster.
There is no permit process, as an applicant will need to go through the Optional Design Project process.
What is an Optional Design Project?
An Optional Design Project is an alternative development proposal where the developer and DPZ draft the permitted uses, land use regulations, design and other characteristics.
- The ODP is subject to approval from the Planning Board
- Currently utilized via the CR (Commercial Redevelopment) district Sec. 121.1 of the HoCo Zoning Regulations
ZRA-224 mimics the already approved steps outlined in 121.1.H for the process of approval for an optional design project.