ADU Bill Bids Adieu to Local Zoning Controls

Last week, the Massachusetts Senate adopted a proposed $5.2 billion Housing Bond Bill, formally known as the Affordable Homes Act proposed by the Healey-Driscoll Administration. If signed by Governor Healey, Massachusetts will have the strongest and most effective standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in New England.

Identical to the ADU provision passed by the House of Representatives on June 5th, this newest version of the Housing Bond Bill also allows ADUs to be built as of right in single-family zoning districts statewide. State officials project that more than 8,000 ADUs could be built over the next 5 years, regardless of local community preferences. By adopting the same ADU provision as was passed by the House, the Senate sent a clear message that there is broad support across our Commonwealth for housing solutions like ADUs, according to the statewide pro-housing lobbying group, Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA).

The organization said the Healey administration borrowed heavily for the ADU component of their Affordable Homes Act from AHMA.

“It was a great honor to work with Governor Healey's team and partners in the legislature to advocate for Accessory Dwelling Units by-right statewide. I am proud that Massachusetts will now have the strongest ADU law in New England. This meaningful piece of legislation allows homeowners to generate additional income or house loved ones with disabilities, aging family members, or young  adults who might not otherwise be able to afford to live in the community where they were raised," said Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts, in a press release.