Boston launches new tools to help residents build accessory dwelling units MABA MassachusettsRealEstate FirstTimeHomeBuyers MaBuyerAgent

 The city of Boston has released new tools to assist residents in building accessory dwelling units (or in-law apartments) on their property. Allowing accessory dwelling units was a key initiative of the statewide $5.1 billion Affordable Homes Act Gov. Maura Healey signed in August. The act allows accessory dwelling units under nine hundred square feet on single-family lots. These can be attached or detached from a single-family home, such as basement or attic conversions, backyard cottages or bump-out additions.

 While still subject to local building codes, the new policy standardizes zoning regulations statewide, allowing homeowners on single-family lots to add small units without needing a special permit or variance, unless they wish to add more than one unit. Now Boston residents have some guidelines to help support their efforts. Administered by the Mayor’s Office of Housing Boston Home Center (BHC), the program offers residents a new bank loan option, alongside grants and other financial assistance to help cover the designing, permitting and building costs of an affordable dwelling unit (ADU). Boston’s planning department has also released an Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook to help property owners who may want to build.

 Designed to give homeowners practical guidance for adding an ADU to their property, it features “realistic, buildable designs tailored to Boston’s neighborhoods” for homeowners who are adding additional living space, rental income or housing family members. Residents can find it online and in all branches of the Boston Public Library. The mayor’s actions build on efforts to make Boston more inclusive, expand multigenerational housing, support families and promote wealth building. Mayor Michelle Wu called the accessory dwelling units “a powerful tool in our efforts to address the housing crisis in Boston.”

 “By creating more flexible and affordable living options, ADUs allow homeowners to maximize their property while contributing to the availability of housing in our neighborhoods,” Wu said. “This initiative not only supports families looking to generate extra income or house loved ones but also strengthens our communities with more diverse and accessible housing choices.” The loan program gives income-eligible owners of one- to three-unit homes a Technical Assistant Grant of up to $7,500 for an ADU. According to the mayor’s office, the grant “provides eligible homeowners with targeted funding and staff guidance throughout the pre-construction phases of researching, designing and permitting their ADU.”

 Homeowners can also apply for a zero percent interest, deferred ADU loan from the city for up to $50,000 toward construction costs. Once approved, they are paired with a BHC construction specialist who monitors the building program. ADU loan recipients can also explore additional financing with participating lenders. Boston’s chief of housing, Sheila Dillon, said these accessory dwelling units are an important part of the city’s strategy to expand housing options in Boston. “ADUs give homeowners a way to create additional living spaces that can serve as a source of income, provide housing for family members and help address the city’s housing needs,” Dillon said. “By making it easier to build ADUs, we are supporting residents, increasing housing supply and strengthening neighborhoods.”

 The city is also piloting a new ADU bank loan, in partnership with local banks including Leader Bank, Dedham/South Shore Bank, Needham Bank and the Cooperative Bank as part of the effort. Wu has also recognized the challenges homeowners face with construction costs and is working with Harvard’s Laboratory for Values in the Built Environment and local lenders to create “new solutions that help low- and moderate-income homeowners access the benefits of ADUs.”

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