Chesterfield, MA

Chesterfield, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 7/10 (10 is most accepting)

What you need to know: 

Chesterfield joined many cities in MA by revising its zoning bylaw to make it easier for homeowners to build accessory apartments in most zoning districts. 

Type of Permit Required:

Conversion of Existing Space or Attached:

By right in:

• Town Center

• Agricultural Residential I

• Agricultural Residential II

By Special Permit in the following overlay districts:

• Floodplain

• Westfield River Protection District

• Water Supply Protection District

Special permits are also required if an apartment is being added to a commercial building.

Detached ADUs:

A Special Permit is always required for detached ADUs.

ADU Rules in Chesterfield:

• The ADU must be a fully separate dwelling unit with its own kitchen, bath, and egress.

• A lot can only have one accessory apartment.

• The ADU must have 2 or fewer bedrooms.

• At least two additional off-street parking spaces shall be provided for the ADU. Parking spaces shall be located on the side or rear of the building to the extent feasible.

• The ADU’s appearance must match the character of the original building.

• New entrances shall be located on the side or rear of the building to the extent feasible.

• The ADU must be subordinate to the primary building.

• The living area shall not be more than 33% of the existing residential living space (commercial building SF) or 800 square feet, whichever is less.

• Small homes or commercial buildings, can bypass the 33% limitation and build a 300 square feet ADU.

Read the full bylaw here: Zoning Ordinance, Section 6.1 Accessory Apartments