[[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]] The landmark Affordable Homes Act made Accessory Dwelling Units legal in all 351 Massachusetts communities. Often called “in-law apartments” or “granny flats”, these small homes have shot up in popularity and now we have the numbers to prove it.
Last week, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities [[link removed]] announced that in the first half of the year homeowners in 170 communities filed 844 applications to build ADUs on their properties.
It’s easy to understand why so many homeowners are taking to Accessory Dwelling Units. They allow for multigenerational living, can be used as a second source of income, and they are a unique tool to address our state’s housing shortage.
And now they are legal as of right (meaning no special permits needed beyond compliance with local zoning and permitting for construction) in every community in the Commonwealth!
No matter what you call them, ADUs are off to a great start in the Commonwealth.
What’s on the Calendar?
Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA) invites you to its Boston City Councilor At-Large Housing Forum on October 9. Learn more and register here. [[link removed]]
The Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) invites you to attend its Annual Regional Meetings in October and November, where attendees discuss their shared housing challenges and policy opportunities for a better future for all regions of the Commonwealth. Learn more and register here [[link removed]] .
Upcoming Housing Actions
Carver Town Meeting Bourne Town Meeting
October 7 at 6:30 p.m. October 20 at 7 p.m.
Learn more on the town website [[link removed]] Learn more on the town website [[link removed]]
Boxborough Town Meeting Stow Town Meeting
October 14 at 7 p.m. October 27 at 7 p.m.
Learn more on the town website [[link removed]] Learn more on the town website [[link removed]]
Weston Town Meeting Carlisle Town Meeting
October 15 at 7 p.m. November 2 and 3
Learn more on the town website [[link removed]] Learn more on the town website [[link removed]]
Sutton Town Meeting
October 20 at 7 p.m.
Learn more on the town website [[link removed]]
In Case You Missed It...
Massachusetts accessory dwelling units rise, easing housing shortage [[link removed]]
September 26, 2025 | Ashley Shook | WWLP
Demand for ADUs is rising in Milford, helping residents with housing costs and space need [[link removed]]
September 24, 2025 | Caroline Bunnell | MetroWest Daily News
Massachusetts wants to supercharge housing construction by speeding up state reviews [[link removed]]
September 9, 2025 | Katie Lannan | GBH
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