Easthampton, MA

Easthampton, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

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


What you need to know: 

In 2021, Easthampton revised its zoning bylaw to allow homeowners to build accessory apartments in all zoning districts in an effort to

  • Add inexpensive rental units to the housing stock to meet the needs of smaller households, both young and old,

  • Make housing units available and attainable to low and moderate income households who might otherwise have difficulty finding housing within the city

  • Address the housing needs of Easthampton residents

  • Permit the owner of a detached single- or two-family dwelling to construct one additional dwelling unit on the lot

  • Protect stability, property values, and the residential character of a neighborhood by ensuring that accessory apartments are created only in accordance with this ordinance

  • Legalize conversion to encourage compliance with the State Building Code

Today – surging home prices, high rents, and unwanted gentrification have put the bylaw in the spotlight and have stimulated demand for detached accessory dwelling units (Backyard ADUs). 

Type of ADU Permit Required:

A building permit is required and a special permit in some instances (we can help with this).

ADU Rules in Easthampton:

  • The principal use on the lot must be a detached single- or two-family dwelling.

  • The owner(s) of the detached single- or two-family dwelling must occupy one of the units as their primary residence at the time of occupancy.

  • A new detached accessory dwelling unit (and/or an attached unit consisting of new construction) must not exceed 900 square feet.

  • Not more than one accessory apartment on a lot.

  • The principal dwelling and the accessory dwelling unit must remain in common or single ownership.

  • There is to be one off-street parking space for the accessory apartment in addition to one off street parking space required for the principal dwelling.

  • Properties containing a second dwelling unit may be considered a two-family dwelling for tax purposes.

  • An interior or attached accessory apartment are to be designed to maintain the appearance of a single- or two-family dwelling with a separate entrance


Easthampton Setbacks and Density Tables

See the full text here: Zoning Ordinance Section 8.5, Accessory Apartments, page 118

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUChris LeeWestern MA, Friendliness Score 9/10, Easthampton, Massachusetts