Accessory Structures in Methuen, MA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Methuen, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In the City of Methuen, Massachusetts, § 5.7 allows an accessory apartment of not more than 700 square feet in all districts, but only as a non-income-producing unit for a family member, in an owner-occupied dwelling, one per principal dwelling, with a notarized affidavit, a recorded covenant, a $50 annual reinspection and a $100 per day fine if the permit is revoked.
Methuen Accessory Apartment Rules
Significant RestrictionsMethuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 5.7
The conversion, renovation or addition of not more than 700 square feet in an existing dwelling or on original construction, for use as a separate, non-income-producing, housekeeping unit for a member of the family, is allowed in all districts, provided: A. The owner must occupy at least one of the dwelling units as a permanent legal residence except for bona fide temporary absences. A notarize...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In the City of Methuen, Massachusetts, § 5.7 of the Methuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance requires the owner to occupy at least one of the dwelling units as a permanent legal residence, apart from bona fide temporary absences. The owner files a notarized affidavit, and a sale triggers a 90-day transfer deadline.
Methuen MA Accessory Apartment Owner Occupancy
Significant RestrictionsMethuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 5.7
§ 5.7. Accessory apartments. ... A. The owner must occupy at least one of the dwelling units as a permanent legal residence except for bona fide temporary absences. A notarized affidavit from the owner verifying that the dwelling is owner-occupied and that the occupant of the accessory apartment is a family member will be required. ... H. If there is a change of occupant or if the dwelling is s...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In the City of Methuen, Massachusetts, the Methuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows an accessory apartment of not more than 700 square feet only as a separate, non-income-producing housekeeping unit for a member of the family. Only one unit is allowed per principal dwelling, and a restrictive covenant must be recorded.
Methuen MA Accessory Apartment Family-Use Limits
Significant RestrictionsMethuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 5.7
§ 5.7. Accessory apartments. ... The conversion, renovation or addition of not more than 700 square feet in an existing dwelling or on original construction, for use as a separate, non-income-producing, housekeeping unit for a member of the family, is allowed in all districts, provided: ... B. Not more than one accessory apartment may be established in a principal dwelling. ... F. A restrictive...
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Methuen, Massachusetts, § 5.13 of the Methuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance allows a single-family storage shed or barn not exceeding 500 square feet in area or 25 feet in height. An unattached accessory building can sit within 7.5 feet of a side or rear lot line.
Methuen MA Shed and Accessory Building Limits
Some RestrictionsMethuen Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.13(A)(4)-(5), 6.2(E)(6)
§ 5.13. Residential accessory uses. A. Single-family. Single-family residential accessory uses shall include the following: ... (4) Garage for parking noncommercial vehicles, so long as said garage does not exceed 1,000 square feet and one story. (5) Storage shed or barn not exceeding 500 square feet in area or 25 feet in height. ... § 6.2. General dimensional regulations. ... E. Yard requireme...