ADU rules in Fall River, MA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Under Massachusetts law (Ch. 358 of Acts of 2024, effective Feb 2025), ADUs under 900 sq ft are allowed by right on single-family lots statewide. Fall River Mayor Coogan raised concerns about the law but it applies regardless. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed half the principal dwelling's floor area or 900 sq ft.
The statewide ADU law amends MGL Ch. 40A to allow accessory dwelling units by right in single-family zoning districts. ADUs must be under 900 sq ft or half the principal dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is smaller, and maintain a separate entrance. Municipalities cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements or unreasonably restrict ADU creation. Fall River's Zoning Board has been handling ADU-related decisions, and the city adopted Ordinance No. 2025-12 addressing local implementation.
Municipalities cannot deny conforming ADU applications. Unpermitted ADU: standard building code enforcement under 780 CMR.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle adu rules.
See how Fall River's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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