Press Release  Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Invites Comments on Proposed Regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities invites stakeholders to comment on proposed Protected Use Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations through multiple opportunities, including written comments, webinars, and a public hearing.

The Affordable Homes Act, signed by Governor Maura Healey in August, creates nearly 50 policy initiatives to jumpstart housing production and make housing more affordable for Massachusetts residents. A key provision of the law allows accessory dwelling units less than 900 square feet to be built by right in single-family zoning districts.

The ADU provision goes into effect February 2 and allows communities to make reasonable restrictions and requirements. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has drafted regulations intended to provide clarity on the administration of the new ADU law. 

“ADUs are a simple way to add housing throughout the state while providing more options for older homeowners looking to age in place or families looking to give a child with special needs more independence,” said Ed Augustus, secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “The regulations we are developing will make it easier for communities to craft ADU ordinances that allow this housing with the ability to meet their local needs.”

Visit Mass.gov/ADU to read the draft regulations and a letter from Secretary Ed Augustus, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is hosting two public Webinars on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and Monday, Dec. 16. For more information and to register, please sign up at Mass.gov/ADU. For those unable to watch live, a recording of the webinar will be posted on EOHLC’s website.

EOHLC welcomes feedback on the draft regulations during the public comment period that will be open Friday, Dec. 20, through Friday, Jan. 10. In addition, a hybrid public hearing will be held on Friday, Jan.10, 2025.  Beginning on Dec. 20, a signup form and the in-person event location will be available at Mass.gov/ADU for interested stakeholders to register to attend the public hearing and submit comments.

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities estimates this policy will result in the construction of 8,000 to 10,000 ADUs across the state, increasing the supply of homes and lowering costs for all communities.

About the Affordable Homes Act: 

On Aug. 6, Governor Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act into law. The historic legislation authorizes $5.16 billion in spending over the next five years along with nearly 50 policy initiatives to counter rising housing costs caused by high demand and limited supply. 

The bill includes unprecedented authorizations in modernizing the state’s public housing system, boosts programs that support first-time homebuyers and homeownership, and resources to build more housing for low to moderate-income residents. It also includes many policy changes that will unlock housing production in our state, such as allowing accessory dwelling units, support for the conversion of vacant commercial space to housing and support for sustainable and green housing initiatives. Visit Mass.gov/AHA for more information.

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