Section 8 of the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024) amended Section 3 of the Massachusetts Zoning Act. This took effect on February 2, 2025, requiring municipalities to allow ADUs (900 or fewer square feet) as of right in most single-family residential zoning districts, with some important limitations.
Massachusetts recently enacted a new housing statute that makes it easier for homeowners to create accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their residential properties. These commonly were called “in-law apartments” but the new law allows much more.
The Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection (“MassDEP”) has amended its Septic System (“Title 5”) Regulations (310 CMR 15.000) and its Watershed Permit Regulations (314 CMR 21.00).
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