Reading, MA
Reading, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
City Acceptance Rating: 5/10
Last updated: 10.29.2024
Image source: Reading Recap
What You Need To Know
Currently not in compliance with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act.
A single ADU is allowed with a permit on single-family home properties. The ADU size cannot exceed one third of the residence and must maintain a single family appearance. Occupants limited to three.
Type of ADU Permit Required
ADUs require a special permit.
ADU Rules
An Accessory Apartment must not exceed the lesser of 1,000 square feet or one-third of the gross floor area of the primary residence, excluding garages, unfinished basements, sheds, or other accessory structures.
At least one owner must reside in either the Principal Dwelling or Accessory Apartment on the property.
The Accessory Apartment should maintain the single-family appearance of the property; new entries must be on the side or rear, and stairways to upper-level apartments should be enclosed within the building.
All motor vehicles associated with the Accessory Apartment must be parked off the street in a driveway or garage, without compromising the neighborhood’s single-family character.
Both the Principal Dwelling and Accessory Apartment must be connected to public water and sewer systems.
The apartment is limited to two bedrooms and a maximum of three occupants.
For detached structures built before 1910 or listed in the Historical Inventory, any exterior alterations should preserve the structure’s historical features, with limited footprint expansion (up to 10%).
A Detached Accessory Apartment cannot be located in the front yard or any area between the Principal Dwelling and a right-of-way, unless an existing structure in that area is converted.
Any Special Permit issued must ensure that the Accessory Apartment maintains the neighborhood's character and complements the Principal Dwelling.
Resources:
https://www.readingma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2242/Zoning-Bylaw-PDF - page 38