Brewster, MA


Brewster, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules


City Acceptance Rating:
9/10 (10 is most accepting)

What you need to know 

As of Monday, 10/21, Brewster joined several towns in the Cape to allow all kinds of ADUs by right!


ADU rules in Brewster:

  • A special permit is required for ADUs located in Zone II (Zone of Contribution to a Public Drinking Water Well), in the watershed of the Herring River, or the watershed to Pleasant Bay.

  • Additions to create an ADU must conform to the primary dwelling’s setbacks.

  • One of the two units must be owner occupied 12 months of the year.

  • Short term rentals are not allowed.

  • Only 20 permits are issued for ADUs per year.

  • Rooms within an ADU cannot be sublet and/or used for short term rentals.

  • There shall be no more than two residential units in total on a lot containing an ADU. This means a lot with a commercial unit and residential lot, could add another residential apartment.

  • One parking place per bedroom in the ADU must be provided.

  • An ADU shall be clearly subordinate to the primary home.

  • The ADU must be designed so the appearance of the property remains that of a single-family home and the privacy of abutting properties is maintained.

See the full text here: Zoning Ordinance Section 179-42.2 Accessory Single Family Dwelling Units (ADUS)

Tiny Home Eligible, Convert/add to eligibleGuest UserFriendliness Score 9/10, Brewster MA, Cape Cod