Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1531482
Though the term "ADU" (Accessory Dwelling Unit) had appeared on my radar in the past, its significance didn't fully register until I read Governor Healey's housing bill. The bill, which aims to tackle Massachusetts' ongoing housing crisis, introduced me to the potential of ADUs as a practical solution for expanding affordable housing options in the state. First, let's talk a bit about the Housing Bill and why Governor Healy believes now is the time for this enormous undertaking of a bill. Gov. Healey's bill is the largest of its kind, including a $5.16 billion housing bond intended to reignite a long-time sluggish housing market. Massachusetts is now the fifth most expensive state to rent a home, and the City of Boston ranks as the second most expensive rental market in the country. On the home purchase side, the state has faced a decades-long shortage of homes for sale, driving prices to unsustainable levels. The bill includes $2 billion for the rehabilitation and repair of over 40,000 public housing units and millions more for green housing initiatives. One of the most interesting provisions is the legalization of ADUs – Accessory Dwelling Units – by right in single-family zones across Massachusetts, bypassing many local zoning laws. What is an ADU and why does this matter for housing? An ADU is an additional residential housing space on the same lot as a primary residence. Examples include a guest house, detached garage with a rental apartment above or a basement apartment. With Massachusetts' severe housing shortage, the New Affordable Housing Bill essentially legalizes ADUs, providing one creative and practical solution to the housing crunch. The policy would allow a homeowner to build or convert ADUs without complex zoning approval. According to Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR), ADUs help alleviate urban sprawl while enabling homeowners to generate rental income, improving overall housing accessibility. There is growing demand for downsizing and multi-generational housing, which is driving interest in ADUs. Many people struggle to find affordable smaller homes, and families often face challenges when adult children or aging parents need housing. ADUs provide a solution by offering private living spaces within a shared property, allowing families to adapt to changing needs while staying in their homes longer. How Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Could Help Address Massachusetts' Housing Crisis Written by Carol Bulman, CEO of Jack Conway & Alyssa Naumann, Marketing Manager 12