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Springfield, MA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

ADU rules in Springfield, MA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Allowed districts: Residence A and A-1 only
Size cap: 900 sf or half main house
Permit type: Tier 1 Site Plan Review
Short-term rental: Prohibited (Ch. 238 ban)
Min lot size: 5,000 square feet

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Massachusetts under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Springfield, MA rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Springfield allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot in Residence A and A-1 districts by Tier 1 site plan review, capped at 900 square feet or half the main house, and bans using it as a short-term rental.

All ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS shall be required to obtain a Tier 1 Administrative Site Plan Review from the Office of Planning & Economic Development, prior to the issuance of a Building Permit... 1. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS are limited to only Residence A and Residence A-1 zoning districts... No ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT shall be used for short-term rentals, as defined in City Ordinance, Chapter 238... shall not be larger in gross floor area than 1/2 the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or nine hundred (900) square feet, whichever is smaller.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Zoning Ordinance § 4.7.120 lets Springfield homeowners add an Accessory Dwelling Unit through a Tier 1 Administrative Site Plan Review rather than a full Special Permit, but only in Residence A and Residence A-1 districts. The ADU cannot exceed 900 square feet or half the principal dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is smaller, must stay behind the front elevation of the main house, and detached units are capped at 20 feet tall. The lot needs at least 5,000 square feet, and the principal building and ADU must remain in common ownership. Section 4.7.123.B(1) bars using an ADU as a short-term rental under Chapter 238; a second ADU on one lot needs a Tier 3 Special Permit instead.

Violations & Fines

Building an ADU without the required site plan approval, or renting it short-term, is a zoning violation enforced by the Building Commissioner: a $100 fine for a first offense, $300 for each following day, plus possible injunctive relief (§ 11.1.20).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent my Springfield ADU on Airbnb?

No -- § 4.7.123.B(1) specifically bars using an accessory dwelling unit as a short-term rental as defined in City Ordinance Chapter 238.

How big can a Springfield ADU be?

No larger than 900 square feet, or half the principal dwelling's gross floor area, whichever is smaller, under § 4.7.122.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Springfield, MA Zoning Ordinance § 4.7.120-4.7.123

Other rules in Springfield

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions ADU Rental RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions ADU Owner OccupancySome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Springfield rules

How Springfield compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts accessory structures overview

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