Norwell, MA
Norwell, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
City Acceptance Rating: 6/10 (10 is most accepting)
Last updated: 10.10.2024
Image source: Norwell Social
What You Need To Know
ADUs are allowed by right in Norwell both detached and within existing homes. As the rules are written currently, if you want to build a detached ADU, you need to go through site plan review from the Planning Board.
Type of ADU Permit Required
ADUs require a building permit, but detached ADUs specifically require site plan review.
ADU Rules
Interior ADUs:
Entrance: Must have a separate entrance, either directly outside or via a shared corridor meeting building code requirements for egress.
Size: Maximum floor area is the lesser of 900 square feet or 50% of the principal dwelling's floor area.
Short-Term Rentals Prohibited: Restrictive covenant required, enforceable by the Town, prohibiting short-term rental use.
Bedroom Limit: Restricted to one bedroom.
Parking: Must have one dedicated parking space; principal dwelling must have at least two. Shared driveway usage required.
Appearance: Entrance and parking must maintain the single-family residential look; separate entrances should be less visible than the main entrance from the street.
Owner Occupancy: Either the principal dwelling or the ADU must be owner-occupied at all times.
Sewage Approval: Board of Health must approve sewage disposal according to Title 5 and other regulations.
Commercial Use: No commercial use allowed except for permitted home occupations.
Detached ADUs:
Entrance: Must have a separate entrance meeting state building code requirements.
Size: Maximum floor area is the lesser of 900 square feet or 50% of the principal dwelling's floor area. If part of a larger accessory structure, the ADU's designated space must meet this limit.
Short-Term Rentals Prohibited: Same restrictive covenant rules as interior ADUs.
Bedroom Limit: Restricted to one bedroom.
Parking: Requires one dedicated parking space; principal dwelling must have at least two. Shared driveway usage required.
Owner Occupancy: Either the principal dwelling or the detached ADU must be owner-occupied at all times.
Sewage Approval: Same sewage disposal approval as interior ADUs.
Design Standards: Must maintain the single-family residential appearance and adhere to setbacks. Detached ADUs cannot be located in front of the principal dwelling. Architectural design must align with the principal dwelling and requires site plan review.
Rental Use: Only one unit (either the principal dwelling or the ADU) can be rented at a time. Owners may reside in the ADU while renting out the principal dwelling.
Commercial Use: No commercial use allowed except for permitted home occupations.