Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — There's a new law in Massachusetts making it easier in some parts to add living space to existing residential areas.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are now allowed thanks to the Affordable Homes Act in the state that just took effect on Sunday, Feb. 2.
One of the reasons behind dramatically increased housing costs in Massachusetts is the shortage of housing supply.
Governor Maura Healey believes ADUs are a part of the solution by adding thousands of new living spaces driving down costs for tenants and homebuyers.
Mathew Roth is the owner of Hawthorn Builders in Needham.
He said the new law is welcome news. "People have been trying to build these (ADUs) for years but they weren't allowed," he said.
Also known as 'in-law suites' and 'tiny homes,' the new law allows garages, basements, and attics to be converted into ADUs.
Or, an ADU can be a newly built detached cottage or an addition onto the primary home with a separate entrance.
Roth said ADUs will add to the housing supply while helping reduce housing costs. "There's a crisis for a reason and it's mostly because of expensive construction costs," Roth said. "It's also because of the difficulty in building in terms of the approval process."
According to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, it estimates that between 8,000 to 10,000 ADUs can be built over the next five years due to the simplification of the ADU permitting process.
WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.
