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
Register below for the Cottage Cluster webinar hosted by Department of Planning and Zoning Director, Lynda Eisenberg, AICP and Julia Sauer, Chief of Public Service and Zoning.
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 4-5pm
- Please submit all questions by April 1, 2026 to planning@howardcountymd.gov.
To be posted prior to 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.
