Accessory Dwelling Unit

[Cheng Bin Zhang]

Hi,

We have an adjacent parcel of unused land next to our duplex. We're planning to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to the existing duplex by merging the two parcels together.

Current zoning would not permit this as of right and would require variance/board of appeals.

Does anyone on the forum have experience with building ADU in the city of Boston and wouldn't mind sharing their experience? I do plan to live in the ADU after it's built. the unused land is currently a huge eye sore for the community and this ADU would provide the financial incentive to move forward with the fencing/landscaping work that's required.

Best,

Cheng

[Maureen F.]

Hi Cheng, I think the ADU is what is commonly referred to as an in-law unit? I believe such units cannot have a kitchen. If you want a fully independent unit with kitchen, the process would be more challenging. I haven't built one yet, but we're considering putting a unit in the basement, so I started looking into it. One of the biggerpockets people gave me the name of an attorney (Daniel McDevitt) and architect (Tim Johnson) who are experienced in the process. I haven't yet been in contact with them. I have their phone numbers, if you send me a message I will send them to you (I can't post them on the forum).