Concord, MA

Concord, MA allows ADUs up to 750 sq. ft. by right.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing SpaceGuest UserFebruary 7, 2022Greater Boston, Friendliness Score 7/10, Concord, Massachusetts

Williamsburg, MA

Williamsburg does not allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Granny flats must be constructed within existing space or as an addition.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing SpaceGuest UserJune 29, 2021Friendliness Score N/A, Western MA, Massachusetts, Williamsburg

Sandwich, MA

Sandwich draws a distinction between “Accessory Dwelling Units” and “Accessory Apartments” and provide different rules for each.

Convert Existing Space, Attached ADUGuest UserSeptember 11, 2020Friendliness score 4/10, Sandwich MA, Sandwich, Massachusetts, Cape Cod

Provincetown, MA

Provincetown allows property owners to build new attached and detached dwelling units by right in all zoning districts except S (Seashore) and M (Public Use) districts.

Convert Existing Space, Detached ADU, Attached ADUGuest UserSeptember 11, 2020Cape Cod, Friendliness score 10/10, Massachusetts, Provincetown

Mashpee, MA

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserSeptember 11, 2020Cape Cod, Friendliness score 10/10, Massachusetts, Mashpee

Orleans, MA

Orleans currently has restrictive rules associated with adding an ADU to a single family lot. The town does not allow additions or new construction unless it will have a minimal impact on the existing footprint of the existing structures.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserSeptember 11, 2020Cape Cod, Friendliness score 10/10, Massachusetts, Orleans

Harwich, MA

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserSeptember 11, 2020Cape Cod, Friendliness score 10/10, Harwich, Massachusetts

Eastham, MA

Eastham loves ADUs and thinks they can help them ease their housing crisis. As with many towns in the Cape they allow all kinds of ADUs by right!

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserSeptember 11, 2020Friendliness score 10/10, Eastham, Massachusetts, Cape Cod

Brewster, MA

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserSeptember 11, 2020Friendliness Score 9/10, Cape Cod, Brewster, Massachusetts

Wilbraham, MA

Wilbraham does not allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Granny flats must be constructed within existing space or as an addition.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing SpaceGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score N/A, Western MA, Massachusetts, Wilbraham

Whately, MA

Whately does not allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Granny flats must be constructed within existing space or as an addition.

Convert Existing Space, Attached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Western MA, Friendliness Score: 5/10, Whately, Massachusetts

Warwick, MA

Tiny Home Eligible, Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score N/A, Western MA, Warwick, Massachusetts

Sunderland, MA

Sunderland does not have a section in its bylaw covering accessory dwelling units (ADUs). However, the town does allow two-family homes in all zoning districts except C-2. If your property has enough space you may be able to add backyard tiny home as a formal 2nd unit.

Convert Existing Space, Attached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score N/A, Western MA, Sunderland, Massachusetts

South Hadley, MA

South Hadley does not have a bylaw for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). However, they do provide a path to convert single-family homes into duplexes following the rules in the town’s zoning ordinance.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing SpaceGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score N/A, Western MA, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Southampton, MA

Southampton does not allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Granny flats must be constructed within existing space or as an addition.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing SpaceGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score N/A, Western MA, South Hampton, Massachusetts

Shutesbury, MA

Shutesbury revised its rules for Accessory Dwelling Units in 2008 to make it easier for homeowners to add an additional dwelling unit to their properties. The city sees ADUs as a great to way help increase density and create high quality housing without sacrificing the character of the town. Since the bylaw was approved, there have been many ADUs added to homes including at least one backyard home (detached ADU)!

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score 7/10, Western MA, Shutesbury, Massachusetts

Plainfield, MA

Plainfield loves ADUs and has a favorable permitting process. However, it is important to note that the town’s rules are very clear that the design and site plan must conform with the single family and rural characteristics of the town.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score 9/10, Western MA, Plainfield, Massachusetts

Pelham, MA

Detached ADUs are only allowed by Special Permit in its Village Center Districts. Conversion of existing space or additions are only allowed by right in its Village Center Districts.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score: 5/10, Western MA, Pelham, Massachusetts

Palmer, MA

Palmer allows both attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built by special permit. However, it is important to note that the town’s rules are very clear that the design and site plan must conform with the single family and rural characteristics of the town.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness 5/10, Western MA, Palmer, Massachusetts

Montague, MA

Montague has very favorable rules related to backyard homes (ADUs). There are limited restrictions and their zoning bylaw overall does not place excessive regulations on what can be built on a someone’s land. Setback requirements are also some of the most accommodating in Western Mass. However, homeowners still need to apply for a special permit to build a detached ADU so it will be important to plan a project that considers neighbors and the public if your ADU will be visible from the street.

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserMay 4, 2020Friendliness Score 8/10, Western MA, Montague, Massachusetts