Wellesley’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw changes get state approval
Changes to Wellesley’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw at Annual Town Meeting this past spring have been approved by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Even though the AG’s office announced its decision this week, the amendments are effective as of April 15, 2025, back when Article 40.1 got Town Meeting’s blessing.
Concerns about the validity of Zoning Bylaw amendments may be submitted to the AG’s office by Oct. 27.
Wellesley amended its bylaw to sync up with state rules that allows for construction of ADUs by right (ADUs are sometimes referred to as in-law apartments). ADUs can be built within or adjacent to a principal dwelling in the town’s Single Residence Districts.
Some see ADUs as part of the solution for addressing local housing shortages. Among the new changes are the lifting of restrictions on owner occupancy and removal of the requirement for a special permit for detached ADUs.
Though people aren’t exactly knocking down the building inspector’s door seeking ADU approvals in Wellesley—they aren’t inexpensive to build. Town Meeting voted to allow them in 2022, and the first to receive construction approval came in 2023.
Since the ADU bylaw was approved, there have been seven building permits issued for ADUs, according to Wellesley Building Inspector Michael Grant. Though perhaps interest will increase as there become fewer hoops for residents to jump through.