Rochester Affordable Housing, Inc. (RAHI) hosted a June 30 informational workshop on Massachusetts’ new law allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) by right on residential properties across the commonwealth at the Council on Aging Senior Center.
The goal was to answer Rochester residents’ questions on what this new law means to them and settle their concerns. Answers focused on the fact that ADU’s will allow a more affordable housing option for families, such as for aging adults needing to downsize and share housing on their adult children’s residential lot.
Ann Soares of RAHI, a 501(c)(3) support organization for seniors and veterans, began the workshop by calling the ADU law “a valuable resource for many of our senior citizens, their families or caregivers such as with rental income from either the new ADU or the primary dwelling. Downsizing can become an option for any homeowner.”
The next to speak were State Senator Michael Rodrigues and newly elected State Representative Mark Sylvia. Both called establishing more affordable housing one of Beacon Hill’s most discussed topics of late. Rodrigues called the new ADU law one step toward creative solutions to developing more such housing. Sylvia said that, with the Affordable Housing Act that the ADU law is under, the 351 communities within the commonwealth can allow ADU’s by right so the elderly, families and their children can live in more affordable housing. RAHI member Valerie Faretta noted ADU units are more affordable because they must be smaller and will consume less water and other utilities.
The meeting then covered what’s important to know about applying for an ADU. Mark Wellington of the RAHI advised attendees to start their process with the Board of Health and the Conservation Commission. The status of the septic system is a major concern, engineer Rick Charon said. Size of system is based on bedrooms and must meet Title 5 requirements.
Conservation Commission Chair Christopher Gerrior explained the need to report your plan to the Conservation Commission and its agent regarding wetlands on or near the property.
Reading written comments from veteran Zoning Board of Appeals member Richard Cutler, Faretta informed attendees that zoning and building bylaws and setbacks still apply; for instance, the unit may not be placed in the front of the property. Also, beware of advertisements for contractors offering to build an ADU or a “tiny house,” she said. They might be a scam. Local architectural home designer Sarah Johnston advised those planning an ADU to weigh achieving privacy versus connection. The majority she has designed for have been for families.
“Either parents want to downsize (or) their kids’ family can’t afford to move anywhere in this area, (so) the parents build an ADU on their property so (their children) can grow up in the family home,” she said. “It’s about what your basic needs are.”
Attendees also learned that such units can be internal, as in fashioned out of a basement, etc. They also can be attached to the original dwelling or free standing. The maximum unit size is 900 square feet, though a 1,200-square-foot unit may also be permitted. ADU’s can be offered as rental units; they do not have to be owner-occupied. Only one ADU per house lot is allowed, though a second ADU could also be permitted.
One attendee asked, “We’re not going to have little houses everywhere?” Residents were undoubtedly happy when Wellington replied with a simple “no.”
“This is just another tool in the toolbox to provide affordable housing, especially for older people to keep them with their families,” Rodrigues said at the workshop’s conclusion. “And it’s a tool to increase the affordable housing stock.”
Wellington added, “I’d like all of this to happen for our local families. We are trying to give people the tools they need.”
Rochester ADU Workshop
By Michael J. DeCicco