ADU rules in Bellingham, MA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Massachusetts 2024 Affordable Homes Act (MGL c. 40A §3) grants property owners the right to build ADUs on owner-occupied lots by right. Cities and towns cannot ban ADUs but may regulate size (up to 900 sq ft for internal ADUs). Norfolk County has no additional ADU rules.
The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (signed August 2024, MGL c. 40A §3) created a new statewide ADU-by-right framework. Owner-occupants of single-family lots statewide — including throughout Norfolk County — may build one ADU without requiring a special permit or variance. Internal ADUs within the main structure and accessory structure ADUs are permitted; municipalities may limit internal ADUs to 900 square feet. Municipalities retain the ability to regulate setbacks, parking, design, and owner-occupancy requirements, but cannot impose an outright ban. Municipalities must update their zoning bylaws to comply. Norfolk County has no ADU ordinance; ADU rights flow from state law and individual town bylaws.
No county enforcement. Municipal zoning violations for non-compliant ADUs: fines and potential removal orders.
Norfolk County, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Bellingham, MA
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Bellingham, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Norfolk County.
See how other cities in Norfolk County handle adu rules.
See how Bellingham's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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