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Re-Allowing Historic Duplexes in R2 Zoning Districts
For the purpose of allowing duplexes to be built in R2 zoning districts, provided they resemble the existing single-family homes in the neighborhood; and generally related to R2 Single-Family Residence district requirements.
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City Council of the
City of Annapolis
Ordinance 18-25
Introduced by: Alderman Huntley
Co-sponsored by:
Referred to: Planning and Zoning Commission, and Rules and City Government Committee
AN ORDINANCE concerning
Re-Allowing Historic Duplexes in R2 Zoning Districts
FOR the purpose of allowing duplexes to be built in R2 zoning districts, provided they resemble the existing single-family homes in the neighborhood; and generally related to R2 Single-Family Residence district requirements.
BY repealing and reenacting with amendments the following portions of the Code of the City of Annapolis, 2025 Edition: 21.40.050, 21.48.010.
WHEREAS, The City allowed duplexes to be built in R2 Single-Family Residence districts until August 10, 1970, as a conforming use; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis values its historic neighborhoods, which often feature duplexes alongside single-family homes; and
WHEREAS, Allowing a variety of housing types can help create strong, inclusive communities that offer homes for residents at different stages of life; and
WHEREAS, Modern building codes and design standards can ensure that duplexes blend well with the character of existing single-family neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, The City's comprehensive plan published in 2025, titled "Annapolis Ahead: Comprehensive Plan 2040," states only single-family detached houses are permitted in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts, while the other residential zones allow for duplexes; there is no remaining buildable land in the R-3 and R-4 zones, the only zones which currently allow for even modest density such as duplexes and triplexes (page 86); and
WHEREAS, The plan also states, "...the City's capacity fo...
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