Capital ADU designs, permits and builds accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our founder, Pavel Kazenkov, and our Petworth backyard ADU have been featured in Axios D.C. and The Washington Post.
New laws could bring more ADUs to Maryland and Virginia
Axios D.C. interviewed Capital ADU founder Pavel Kazenkov about new state laws that make it easier to build ADUs across Maryland and Virginia, and what they mean for homeowners.
What Axios reported
- As of October 2026, Maryland jurisdictions are required to have adopted laws allowing ADUs on properties with single-family homes. Kazenkov told Axios that interest in building ADUs in Maryland has picked up since that deadline was announced.
- A Virginia law taking effect in summer 2027 requires local governments to allow ADUs by right on single-family lots. Kazenkov expects interest to grow there too.
- Homeowners build ADUs for different reasons: extra space without buying a new home as mortgage rates rise, rental income, and housing for aging parents.
- Kazenkov's own backyard ADU in Petworth, DC is a roughly 900-square-foot, two-bedroom home with outdoor space that rents for $3,000 a month, including utilities and parking.
- Local permitting and restrictions still apply under the new laws, so Kazenkov recommends hiring professionals who can help with design and permitting.
“Most people don’t realize that they can even do this. So it’s education.”
“We need more education for owners to understand that they can do this.”
Accessory dwelling units can provide extra room - and income
The Washington Post featured our detached Petworth ADU as a real-world example of how a backyard home can create rental income, flexible living space and long-term value.
- 900 sq ft
- 2 bed / 1 bath
- Fully solar powered
- EV charger
- 2-car parking and rear yard
- $3,000/month rent
What the new ADU laws mean for your property
Can I build an ADU in Maryland now?
As of October 2026, every Maryland jurisdiction is required to have adopted rules allowing ADUs on single-family lots. Montgomery County already allowed them. Counties such as Prince George's are where the change could matter most. Local zoning, size and setback rules still decide what fits on your lot.
When can I build an ADU in Virginia?
A Virginia law taking effect in summer 2027 requires localities to allow ADUs by right on single-family lots. Arlington and Alexandria already allow them, so homeowners there can plan and permit today. Counties such as Prince William are where the change could matter most.
Are ADUs allowed in Washington, DC?
Yes. DC has allowed ADUs for about a decade. Our own Petworth ADU, featured by Axios and The Washington Post, was designed, permitted and built in DC.
Who can design, permit and build an ADU across DC, Maryland and Virginia?
Capital ADU handles design, permits and construction under one contract and is licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our founder brings 11 years of DMV construction and development experience to every backyard build.
Find out what your lot can hold
Free 20-minute consultation. We'll tell you honestly whether an ADU makes sense for your property, and what the rules allow where you live.
Media inquiries: Pavel Kazenkov, info@capital-adu.com, (202) 933-3771