Accessory Structures in Medford, MA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Medford, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Medford lets homeowners add one accessory dwelling unit per lot under Section 94-8.2 of the Revised Ordinances: by right inside the existing house, or by special permit from the Community Development Board in a detached structure. The unit is capped at half the principal dwelling's floor area or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller.
Medford Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-8.2.2; § 94-8.2.3(3), (4)
94-8.2.2 Procedures. Accessory dwelling units may be allowed as of right in an existing principal dwelling or by special permit from the community development board (the SPGA) in an existing detached structure on the same lot, provided that each of the following additional conditions are met. ... 3.Not more than one accessory dwelling unit may be established on a lot.4.The accessory dwelling un...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Medford requires an accessory dwelling unit and its principal house to stay under one owner: Section 94-8.2.3(2) demands an affidavit that the owner occupies one of the two units, and bars selling the ADU separately. Renewal of a detached ADU's special permit repeats that owner-occupancy affidavit every five years.
Medford ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-8.2.3(2), (8)
2.An affidavit shall be provided stating that one of the two dwelling units shall be occupied by the owner of the property, except for bona fide temporary absence. No accessory dwelling unit shall be held in separate ownership from the principal structure/dwelling unit. ... 8.The special permit shall expire after five years; provided, however, that the special permit may be renewed every five y...
ADU Rental Restrictions
When a Medford accessory dwelling unit or its principal house is rented out, Section 94-8.2.3(6) sets a 30-day minimum occupancy or rental term, blocking short-term or nightly rentals of ADU properties. The rule applies to whichever unit is the rental, not just the ADU itself.
Medford ADU Minimum 30-Day Rental Rule
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-8.2.3(6)
6.Where the accessory dwelling unit or the principal dwelling is occupied as a rental unit, the minimum occupancy or rental term shall be 30 days.
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Medford, Massachusetts, a shed or other accessory structure serving a one- or two-family home is capped at 15 feet in height under the zoning ordinance. It must sit at least three feet from rear and side lot lines, only one foot if built with fire-resistant wall assemblies, and stay out of front and side yards in residential districts.
Medford Accessory Structure Height & Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-4.3
94-4.3.1 Height of Accessory Structure. The height of accessory structures is limited as follows: 1.Structures accessory to one- and two-family dwellings shall not exceed 15 feet in height.2.Structures accessory to other uses shall not exceed the height restriction of the principal structure. ... 94-4.3.2 Location of Accessory Structure. The location of accessory structures shall be limited as ...