Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
City Acceptance Rating: 5/10
Last updated: 11/3/2025
Image source: HDPT Physical Therapy
What You Need To Know
Burlington, 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 Burlington are outlined below.
Type of ADU Permit Required
ADUs in Burlington do not require special permits, and can be built using a traditional building permit. Residents are allowed to build one ADU per lot.
ADU Rules
An ADU can be maximum 900 square feet, or half the Gross Floor Area of the main house; whichever is smaller.
Short-term rentals are not allowed.
Detached ADUs cannot be built closer to the road than the main house.
Both the main house and the ADU must be connected to public water and sewer systems.
Properties within ½ mile of a transit station do not require additional parking. Properties outside of that area require additional off-street parking (driveway or garage) for all cars owned by the occupants of the ADU.
If an ADU has a separate exterior entrance or is detached, the ADU must be accessible from a path or walkway.
Attached ADUs must maintain the architectural style of the main house to the extent possible.
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.
Exterior entrances for attached ADUs must be located on the side or back of the dwelling, so that the main house retains the appearance of having only one front door.
The main house and ADU must be owned by the same person(s).
Exterior staircases above the first floor are only allowed in special circumstances.
Resources:
Resources:
https://www.burlington.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/608 (See pages 135-137)
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