Kingston, MA

Kingston, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

Last updated: 12/05/2025

Image source: See Plymouth

What You Need To Know

Kingston, like all of Massachusetts since the passage of the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, allows ADUs by right. Each town has slightly different rules surrounding ADUs, but they all must adhere to the framework outlined by the state. The rules for Kingston are outlined below. 

Type of ADU Permit Required

ADUs in Kingston do not require special permits, and can be built using a traditional building permit. Residents are allowed to build one ADU per lot. 

The rules below are for building a by right ADU - there is also another type of ADU that can be built using a special permit. The rules and pathway for those ADUs are in most cases more complex. They can be found in the link in the resources section at the bottom of this page.

ADU Rules in Kingston:

  • An ADU can be maximum 900 square feet, or half the Gross Floor Area of the main house; whichever is smaller. 

  • ADUs may be attached or detached from the main house.

  • Short-term rentals are not allowed.

  • Properties within ½ mile of a transit station do not require additional parking. Properties outside of that area require one additional off-street parking spot for the ADU. 

  • ADUs must have a separate entrance from the main house - attached ADUs can share an entry hall with the main house, but need a separate entry within the entry hall.

Resources:

https://www.kingstonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5817/2025-Annual-Town-Meeting-Warrant?bidId=

(See pages 27-31)

Convert Existing Space, Attached ADU, Detached ADUChris LeeCape Cod, Massachusetts, Friendliness Score: 7/10, Kingston