Accessory Structures in Springfield, MA

If you live in Springfield or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Springfield has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

ADU Rules

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.

Key details: 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.

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).

ADU Rental Restrictions

Springfield's zoning ordinance bars any accessory dwelling unit from being used as a short-term rental, cross-referencing the definition in the city's separate Chapter 238 short-term rental ordinance.

Key details: Rule: ADUs may not be short-term rentals. Citation: Zoning § 4.7.123(B)(1). Cross-reference: Short-term rental defined in Chapter 238. Applies to: Accessory dwelling units only.

Renting a Springfield ADU short-term is a zoning violation under § 4.7.123, not just a Chapter 238 registration lapse. Fines run $100 for a first offense and $300 per repeat or continuing-day offense, plus possible injunctive action.

Compared to other cities, Springfield takes a harder line on adu rental restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Shed & Carport Rules

Springfield caps detached accessory structures like sheds at 15 feet in most residential districts and requires a 10-foot side yard for any part of a detached garage within 65 feet of the front lot line.

Key details: Accessory structure height: 15 ft (most districts). Detached garage side yard: 10 ft if within 65 ft of street. Garage-to-house gap: At least 6 feet. Governing table: Table 5-1, Zoning § 5.2.10.

Building a shed or garage that exceeds the height limit or crowds the required side yard is a zoning violation, carrying a $100 fine for a first offense, $300 for repeat or continuing daily offenses, or a court injunction.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Springfield does not require the owner to live on site, but it does require the principal house and any accessory dwelling unit to stay in common ownership and be sold together.

Key details: Owner-occupancy required?: No. Common ownership required?: Yes. Citation: Zoning § 4.7.123(B)(3). Prohibited: Selling ADU separately from main house.

Selling or conveying a Springfield ADU separately from its principal building violates § 4.7.123(B)(3) and can draw a $100 first-offense fine, $300 for repeat or continuing violations, or a court injunction to unwind the transfer.

The Bottom Line

Springfield'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 Springfield is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Springfield's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.