Wayland, MA

Wayland, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 4/10

Last updated: 11.14.2024

Image source: Town of Wayland Facebook

What You Need To Know

Currently not in compliance with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act.

Currently, ADUs are split into two categories in Wayland, and each has specific requirements.  Wayland has traditional ADUs and then also has ADUs that have other requirements and are designed and permitted to be for Affordable Housing.

Type of ADU Permit Required

Both types of ADUs in Wayland currently are required to go through the special permit process via the Zoning Board of Appeals in Wayland.

ADU Rules

Traditional Accessory Apartment:

• Size Limit: Cannot increase habitable area by more than 20% of the original building's floor area.

  • Example: A 1,500-square-foot home can add up to 300 square feet for an accessory apartment.

• Lot Size Requirement: Requires a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet.

• Building Age: Principal residence must have existed for at least two years.

• Definition of Floor Area: Includes heated living areas only; excludes unfinished basements, attics, and storage spaces.

• Rental: Can be rented privately without income restrictions.

Affordable Accessory Apartment:

• Size Limit: Cannot increase habitable area by more than 35% of the original building's floor area, with a maximum size of 1,000 square feet.

  • Example: A 2,000-square-foot home can add up to 700 square feet for an accessory apartment.

• Lot Size Requirement: Requires a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet.

• No Age Requirement: No minimum age for the principal residence.

• Rental Agreement: Must be rented through the WHA (local housing authority) to low- or moderate-income residents for at least 10 years.

• Definition of Floor Area: Same as above; includes only heated living spaces.

Resources:

https://www.wayland.ma.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif9231/f/uploads/accessory_apartment_wayland_flyer.pdf