ADU Designs User Agreement

This page includes the terms of the User Agreement for ADU designs made available through the ADU Design Challenge. By viewing and downloading designs produced through the Challenge, users agree to all terms included within this page.

By viewing and downloading designs produced through the ADU Design Challenge, users agree and acknowledge that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts makes these Accessory Dwelling Unit Designs available to encourage the development of Accessory Dwelling Units across the state; that the Designs aren't final plans and you're responsible for all aspects of your final ADU plan, including ensuring it meets all applicable legal requirements; that by using the Designs, you agree that the Commonwealth is not liable for any harms that may result from their use; and that the Commonwealth is not part of any interactions or agreements you may have with designers or other service providers related to the Designs or construction using the Designs. Please review the full User Agreement below.

User Agreement:

By accessing and using these documents or the information contained therein, I, the User, acknowledge and accept the following conditions:

1. These Accessory Dwelling Unit Design documents are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute architectural, engineering, legal, or other professional advice. The Commonwealth does not undertake any duty to review, verify, or ensure the safety, structural integrity, code compliance, or suitability of designs contained in the documents for any particular use or site. The publication of the documents is not an approval, certification, or endorsement of their safety or fitness for construction.
2. The Commonwealth retains ownership of all intellectual property rights related to the documents. Access and use of the documents is pursuant to a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty-free license to review and use them only for purposes related to the development of Accessory Dwelling Units in Massachusetts, including but not limited to as related to a potential Accessory Dwelling Unit, the encouragement of Accessory Dwelling Unit development in the Commonwealth, and related educational purposes.
3. Use of the documents or information is at my sole risk, including any adaptation or reliance upon them, without any liability or legal exposure to the Commonwealth. No warranties of any nature whatsoever, whether express or implied, shall attach to these documents.
4. I agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to release, hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its employees, contractors, and consultants from any and all claims, damages, costs, or liabilities (including attorneys' fees and costs) arising out of the use of, misuse of, or inability to use the documents.
5. I agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to release, hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the submitter(s) and preparer(s) of the documents from any and all claims, damages, costs, or liabilities (including attorneys' fees and costs) arising out of the use of, misuse of, or inability to use the documents, provided that this release does not extend to any contract or agreement I may enter into with the submitter(s) or preparer(s), including but not limited to services related to the adaptation of the documents to buildable plans.
6. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
7. If any provision of this agreement is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

I agree. Return to the ADU Design Showcase.