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 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.

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.

Upcoming Housing Actions

Carver Town Meeting

October 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Learn more on the town website

Boxborough Town Meeting

October 14 at 7 p.m.

Learn more on the town website

Weston Town Meeting

October 15 at 7 p.m.

Learn more on the town website

Sutton Town Meeting

October 20 at 7 p.m.