Kingston, MA

Kingston, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

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

Last updated: 10.10.2024

Image source: See Plymouth

What You Need To Know

Currently not in compliance with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act.

Kingston recently updated their rules to ease their restrictions on ADUs, but they will still need to make some additional updates to be in compliance with the Affordable Homes Act.  

Type of ADU Permit Required

ADUs require a special permit in Kingston.

ADU Rules

  • Discretionary; requires 4 of 5 Planning Board members to vote in favor

  • Provides notice to abutters with public hearing

  • Architecture stays in keeping with primary dwelling

  • Owner-occupied with no short-term rentals

  • Separate entrance & lot coverage not more than 25%

  • ADU can be no bigger than 30% of resulting living space of primary residence + ADU, combined

  • Attached or Detached

  • Lot size minimum 20,000 square feet, regardless of zoning district

  • Allowed in residential zonies (R20, R40, and R80) and in 3A Design, Town Center & Commercial Districts (TC & C only if existing primary use is residential)

  • Minimum size ADU 350 Square Feet

  • Parking for ADU may use existing drive

  • No waiting period

  • Setbacks flexible

Resources:

https://www.kingstonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4732/Accessory_Dwelling_Units_Optimized-for-Web

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