New MA ADU law can be a gamechanger!

[Tyler Munroe]

I'd love to get more conversation going about the new MA ADU law going into effect Feb. 2nd. This provision, through the Affordable Homes Act, make ADUs legal BY RIGHT in any single family zoned property in the state. I'm actually hearing that it will be allowed for residential multi family as well, although haven't confirmed that. As long as the ADU is under 900 sq. ft. and meets the state building code, there will be no variance or special permit needed, so no ZBA or neighborhood meetings. Additionally, any existing restrictions at the town level (there are MANY) will be abolished, unless deemed "reasonable" by the state. Lastly, ADUs are allowed for NON owner occupied properties, opening this strategy up for investors who could convert a SF into two units.

That's just a brief summary, but I feel like there's not as much buzz and excitement around this law as there should be. If you look what ADUs have done for California, it seems like this can be a transformative trend here in MA. 

I think initially it makes sense to find properties that already have finished basements, in-law suites, etc. as converting those spaces to ADUs will be inexpensive and create a significant amount of rental income ($2,000/month+ in most areas close to the city). As ground-up ADU builds gain popularity I hope we see some affordable options, like modular, but from what I'm seeing now the ROI just wouldn't be there.

I'm trying to help spread the word about this law and compile as much information as possible so I can help investors capitalize on it. Would love to get some BP community feedback on what you all think of this, let me know!

[German Fernandez]

I'm very excited for this. I actually purchased a SF house with a two story detached garage in a nice area of brockton. The garage was built to work on trucks having 14' ceilings and 2 bay doors heating cooling about 700 sqft. I was able to rent the garage to a seasoned electrician running his business through there only coming in and out to stock his truck once per day.

I hope to be able to convert the second floor into an ADU as soon as Feb 2nd rolls around. I'd essentially have 2 units out of the garage. Crossing my fingers that this would be possible. I'm hoping I dont have to make the entire garage into an ADU. Either that or gping with my other option of installing a bathroom on the second floor and including it with the garage as an office space.