Governor Maura Healey recently signed into law the Affordable Homes Act (AHA), also known as the Housing Bond Bill (H.4977). This new legislation, passed on August 1, 2024, introduces significant changes to housing regulations in Massachusetts, particularly regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). For homeowners and builders in Fitchburg and across the Commonwealth, this is a pivotal moment.
What Does the Affordable Homes Act Mean for Homeowners?
Under the AHA, ADUs are now a by-right use in single-family zoning districts throughout Massachusetts. This means homeowners can construct an ADU on their property without needing to go through the lengthy and often unpredictable special permit process. As long as you meet the reasonable dimensional requirements, your ADU project can't be denied by local authorities.
This change opens up new opportunities for homeowners looking to add value to their properties, create rental income, or provide additional housing for family members. With the growing demand for flexible housing solutions, ADUs are becoming an increasingly popular option.
Key Provisions of the Affordable Homes Act
The AHA introduces several important provisions that simplify the process of building an ADU:
No Special Permits Required: For the first ADU on a property, homeowners no longer need a special permit. This eliminates one of the biggest hurdles in the construction process.
Size Limitations: The law maintains the maximum size limit for ADUs. An ADU cannot exceed 900 square feet or be larger than 50% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is smaller. This ensures that ADUs remain a secondary, subordinate structure on the property.
Parking Regulations: The law limits the number of additional parking spaces required for an ADU to one. If your property is within ½ mile of a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal, or bus station, you may not need any additional parking at all.
Prohibition of Owner-Occupancy Requirements: Cities and towns can no longer require the homeowner to live on the property as a condition for building an ADU.
Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals: While municipalities can impose restrictions on short-term rentals of ADUs, the new law generally supports their use for long-term rental purposes.
What Does This Mean for Builders?
For builders like McNamara Contracting, the Affordable Homes Act represents a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. The streamlined process for ADU construction means fewer delays and fewer hurdles to clear, making it easier to meet the growing demand for these versatile living spaces.
As a design-build remodel contractor in Fitchburg, MA, we're excited to help homeowners take advantage of these new opportunities. Whether you're looking to add an ADU for rental income, to house a family member, or simply to increase the value of your property, McNamara Contracting can guide you through the process from start to finish.
When Does the New Law Take Effect?
The new ADU provisions are already in effect, with immediate implications for homeowners and builders alike. By February 2, 2024, additional provisions, such as parking and special permit requirements for secondary ADUs, will also be in place. This timeline gives homeowners and builders the chance to plan and act accordingly.
Ready to Explore Your ADU Options?
At McNamara Contracting, we specialize in creating high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of modern families. With the Affordable Homes Act now in place, there's never been a better time to explore the possibilities of adding an ADU to your property.
Contact us today to discuss your project, and let’s start planning your ADU. Whether you need help with design, construction, or navigating the new regulations, McNamara Contracting is here to support you every step of the way.
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