Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Information

On August 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 to allow ADUs up to 900 square feet to be built by right in single-family zoning districts. The historic legislation authorized $5.16 billion in spending over five years along with nearly 50 policy initiatives to counter rising housing costs. The new law on ADUs is an example of a small policy change that will make a big difference. Massachusetts is a leader in finding innovative solutions to our biggest challenges. Rising housing costs and homelessness are not unique challenges for our state, but we can lead the way in solving them.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has released draft regulations to provide clarity on the administration of the new ADU law. EOHLC will open an official public comment period from December 20 to January 10. All comments must be submitted via a public comment form available at www.mass.gov/adu starting on December 20, 2024. Public comments will not be accepted prior to December 20, 2024.

There will be two webinars with the same content on December 10 at 9am and December 16 at 11am. These webinars will be an opportunity for you to learn about what is in the Draft Regulations. If you can’t attend either date, a recording will be available. To sign up for webinar or view recording when available, click this link: Accessory Dwelling Units | Mass.gov

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ADU Draft Regulation 760 CMR 71 12-6-2024⇒

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Planning Board Presentation – PowerPoint – 11-27-2024→

• Accessory Dwelling Unit Planning Board Presentation – Accessory Dwelling Unit Planning Board Presentation – pdf – 11-27-2024⇒

• What are the benefit of ADUs→

• What is the Law⇒

• ADU Webinar – Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities→

• ADU Webinar – AARP⇒

• Frequently Asked Questions⇒

• ABCs of ADUs booklet→