Orleans, MA
Orleans, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
City Acceptance Rating: 10/10 (10 is most accepting)
Last updated: 6.18.2024
Image source: Cape Cod Life
What You Need To Know
Orleans, like many other towns on Cape Cod, have made amendments to their zoning bylaws to combat the growing need in the area for affordable housing. Still, there remains a number of rules that must be complied with to build an ADU.
Type of ADU Permit Required
There are restrictions and guidelines, but ADUs are by right in Orleans and are approved by the building commissioner.
ADU Rules
The ADU cannot be greater than 800 square feet.
Additions cannot increase lot coverage by more than two percent of the lot area.
The lot must be at least 30,000 square feet of contiguous buildable upland.
One of the two units must be owner occupied year round.
The rental term must be at least 90 days.
Likely changes after vote in May:
The accessory dwelling shall contain no more 1,200 square feet of floor area.
The Board of Health must have documented to the Building Commissioner that sewage disposal will be satisfactorily provided for in accordance with the provisions of Title 5 and local Board of Health regulations, including provisions for an appropriate reserve area on the site.
There are no limitations on lot sizes.
The dwellings if leased shall be for periods of not less than ninety (90) days.