Boston does not impose dedicated ADU impact fees. The 2024 Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act prohibits municipalities from charging excessive ADU fees that would render units infeasible. Standard permit fees through ISD apply (building, plumbing, electrical), and Boston's Inclusionary Development Policy and linkage fees do not apply to single-ADU residential additions.
Boston does not levy a standalone ADU impact fee. Under the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024), cities cannot impose fees on ADUs that effectively prohibit their construction, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) regulations cap permitting requirements. Boston's Inspectional Services Department charges standard building permit fees scaled to construction cost (typically $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost with a minimum), plus separate plumbing, electrical, and gas permit fees. Boston's Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) and Linkage fees (Article 80 of the BZC) apply to large-scale developments over specific size thresholds and do not apply to single-family ADU additions. Sewer and water connection fees through the Boston Water and Sewer Commission may apply if new service is needed.
Failure to pay required permit fees blocks issuance of ISD permits and prevents lawful construction. Cities attempting to impose excessive ADU fees can be challenged under the Affordable Homes Act enforcement provisions through the EOHLC.
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