In 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed The Affordable Homes Act (AHA) into law, authorizing over $5 billion in spending over five years and advancing nearly 50 policy initiatives (learn more here). The AHA includes one of The Arc of Massachusetts’ top priorities: allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built by right in single family zoning districts.
ADUs are residential living spaces that are located on the same lot as another dwelling. ADUs can be within a home (example: basement apartment) or detached (example: garage/shed conversion). ADUs are an important tool to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live independently in their community, while ensuring that support is nearby.
This fact sheet summarizes the recently released regulations (which you can see here), promulgated by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC).
