Lexington, MA

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserFebruary 18, 2022Greater Boston, Friendliness Score: 7/10, Massachusetts, Lexington

Cambridge, MA

Attached ADU, Convert Existing Space, Detached ADUGuest UserFebruary 17, 2022Greater Boston, Friendliness score 10/10, Cambridge, Massachusetts

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.

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.

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!

Brewster, MA

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

Warwick, MA

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Greenfield, MA

Greenfield revised its rules for Accessory Dwelling Units in 2016 to make it easier for homeowners to add an additional dwelling unit to their properties. The city sees ADUs as a great to way 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)!

Great Barrington, MA

Great Barrington loves ADUs and allows them by right in all zoning districts. However, it is important to note that the backyard home cannot be greater than 650 SF. Additionally, if an ADU is proposed in an existing nonconforming structure, a special permit will be needed.

Great Barrington also defines a path to convert a single family property to a legal duplex or multifamily property. For eligible lots, this formal conversion will allow homeowners to maximize their property value. Duplexes and multifamily properties are discussed in section 8.1 and 8.3 of the zoning bylaw.

The town is also deliberating on new rules that would allow tiny homes on trailers! Stay tuned for more information and if you are a resident of Great Barrington contact the planning/zoning board to voice your support.

Amherst, MA

In 2014, Amherst joined many cities in MA by revising bylaws making it easier for homeowners to install accessory apartments in all zoning districts. They have very straight forward rules in their zoning ordinance, but design requirements are strict and certain neighborhoods are harder to obtain approvals than others due to fears about student tenants and noise.

Northampton, MA

In 2014, Northampton joined many cities in MA by revising its zoning bylaw to make it easier for homeowners to build accessory apartments in all zoning districts. They have attractive rules in their zoning ordinance and biggest restrictions are related to environmental protections.

Chesterfield, MA

Chesterfield joined many cities in MA by revising its zoning bylaw to make it easier for homeowners to build accessory apartments in most zoning districts.

Easthampton, MA

In 2014, Easthampton joined many cities in MA by revising its zoning bylaw to allow homeowners to build accessory apartments in all zoning districts. Installations started slow and have been used primarily for aging parents or to help care for disabled family members.

Today – surging home prices, high rents, and unwanted gentrification have put the bylaw in the spotlight and have stimulated demand for detached accessory dwelling units (Backyard ADUs).