Friedson Introduces Legislation to Support Housing Options for Disabled Individuals

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 25, 2019

From the Office of Councilmember Andrew Friedson

Measure Waives Fees to Increase ADU Affordability

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 25, 2019—Councilmember Andrew Friedson (District 1) today introduced legislation to waive County licensing fees for disabled individuals in accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Council is currently discussing ZTA 19-01, which would liberalize the County’s ADU requirements. This bill would enable residents with qualified disabilities to take advantage of the potential changes to create an ADU without the financial barrier of existing fees.

Advocates and families have expressed a strong interest in ADUs as a way to provide dignity and independence while ensuring family members are in close enough proximity to offer comfort and support when needed. Currently, the County collects an initial $571 with an ADU application and an annual license fee of $101. Bill 20-19 would waive these fees for ADUs with tenants who:

• Receive Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits based on blindness or disability;
• Have disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
• Is the beneficiary of an ABLE account; or
• Have a written certification, signed by a physician licensed in the State of Maryland, that the individual has a severe medically determinable impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations, which have lasted, or can be expected to last, for at least 12 months.

“ADUs offer families another housing option, especially when it comes to loved ones with disabilities, including seniors and veterans,” said Friedson. “As we are looking at the accessibility of the County’s ADU program, this is an opportunity to be inclusive. Working to help launch the Maryland ABLE program I became acutely aware of the significant challenges so many families in our community face. This is a modest cost to the County, for a significant benefit for our families and our neighborhoods.”

Council President Nancy Navarro, Council Vice President Sidney Katz, and Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Hans Riemer, Will Jawando, Craig Rice, and Evan Glass are cosponsoring the legislation, which is scheduled for a public hearing on July 16 at 1:30 p.m.

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Release ID: 19-228
Media Contact: Rose Hacking 240-777-7898, Aaron Kraut 240-777-7962