Maryland Health - General Section 10-518

      (a)      To qualify for a license, an applicant shall satisfy the Secretary that the proposed private group home:

            (1)      Is needed;

            (2)      Is compatible with the nature and character of the area involved;

            (3)      Is near transportation facilities;

            (4)      Meets or, on completion, will meet the requirements of this subtitle and the rules and regulations that the Secretary adopts under this subtitle; and

            (5)      Meets or, on completion, will meet all general zoning requirements that apply to the site and that relate to:

                  (i)      The height and size of any buildings that are involved;

                  (ii)      The land that may be covered or occupied;

                  (iii)      The size of yards that require open space;

                  (iv)      The density of population; and

                  (v)      The use of the land and buildings.

      (b)      (1)      A small private group home:

                  (i)      Is deemed conclusively a single-family dwelling; and

                  (ii)      Is permitted to locate in all residential zones.

            (2)      A large private group home is deemed conclusively a multi-family dwelling and is permitted to locate in zones of similar density.

            (3)      A private group home may not be subject to any special exception, conditional use permit, or procedure that differs from that required for a single-family dwelling or a multi-family dwelling of similar density in the same zone.

            (4)      A general zoning ordinance that conflicts with the provisions of this section is superseded by this section to the extent of the conflict.