ADU rules in Somerset, 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 in all Bristol County municipalities. Towns cannot prohibit ADUs or impose owner-occupancy requirements. Both attached and detached ADUs are permitted under the state framework.
Massachusetts enacted ADU provisions as part of the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, building on MGL c.40A §3 and the MBTA Communities Act. Single-family homeowners may create one ADU by right. Municipalities cannot prohibit ADUs on single-family lots. This is a recent mandate and implementation is still developing across municipalities. Bristol County may adopt reasonable regulations including size limits, setbacks, and design standards but cannot effectively ban ADUs.
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 Somerset's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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