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Accessory Structures

How Quincy Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup

Quincy maintains 84 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Quincy falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

ADU Rules

Quincy allows ADUs by right under MGL c. 40A §3 and the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. One ADU per single-family lot is allowed as internal, addition, or detached unit. Maximum size is 50% of principal dwelling or 900 sq ft, whichever is less. Minimum size is 320 sq ft for detached units.

Key details: Code: Quincy ZO + MGL c. 40A §3. Maximum Size: 900 sq ft or 50% of principal, whichever is less. Minimum Size (detached): 320 sq ft. Allowed Types: Internal, addition, or detached. Additional Parking Required?: No.

ADUs not meeting size, setback, or building code requirements are subject to zoning enforcement.

The rules around adu rules in Quincy lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Shed & Carport Rules

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) zoning allows toolsheds and storage sheds up to 10 feet tall in every residence district by right, with a six-foot rear/side setback, a 25%-of-house size cap, and a 10-foot gap from other buildings.

Key details: Max shed height: 10 feet. Max garage height: 16 feet. Side/rear setback: 6 feet. Distance from other buildings: 10 feet minimum. Size cap: 25% of house floor area.

Building a shed over 10 feet tall, inside the six-foot side/rear setback, closer than 10 feet to another structure, or exceeding 25% of the house's floor area violates § 3.2.3(1) and can trigger a stop-work order from Inspectional Services.

The Bottom Line

Quincy's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Quincy is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Quincy's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.