What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An accessory dwelling unit is a small residential living space located on the same lot as another home. ADUs can play a significant role in our housing crisis. The ADU law allows property owners to build an ADU by-right.
ADUs can be inside an existing home, like converting a basement into an apartment, attached to a primary residence as an addition, or completely detached, like a cottage or converted garage in a backyard.
On Aug. 6, 2024, Governor Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act into law (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024) Section 8 of the Affordable Homes Act amends the Zoning Act (M.G.L. c. 40) to allow ADUs up to 900 square feet to be built by right in single-family zoning districts.
An ADU must:
- Be a self-contained housing unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom/sleeping area
- Maintain a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress
- No larger than 900 square feet or 50% of the existing home's total floor area (whichever is smaller)
- Meet local municipal restrictions, including, but not limited to, additional size restrictions and/or restrictions or prohibitions on short-term rental if the city or town decides to impose these
- Located on the same lot as the existing single-family home
Homeowners can build ADU’s without needing special permits or zoning board approval, provided they meet State requirements. For more information go to www.mass.gov/infor-details/accessory-dwelling-units.
Homeowners need to obtain a building permit, ensure septic/sewer compliance and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy to make an ADU legal.
Below is a before and after of an ADU dwelling completed in Lexington, MA
BEFORE
AFTER
ADU Dwelling, Tewksbury, MA
ADU Dwelling, Burlington, MA
ADU Dwelling, Goffstown,NH
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McNeil Builders General Contractors LLC offers practical ideas to revitalizing your home. New kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and a garage are all money-making ways to improve your home value while enjoying your dream home. We are a design/build company that can handle your project from start to finish.
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