ADU Impact Fees: Boston vs Chelsea
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston does not impose dedicated ADU impact fees. The 2024 Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act prohibits municipalities from charging excessive ADU fees that would render units infeasible. Standard permit fees through ISD apply (building, plumbing, electrical), and Boston's Inclusionary Development Policy and linkage fees do not apply to single-ADU residential additions.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
No data available yet for Chelsea.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Impact Fee | None in Boston | - |
| State Cap | Excessive fees prohibited | - |
| Permit Fee Basis | Scaled to construction cost | - |
| Linkage Fee | Not applied to single ADUs | - |
| Utility Fees | BWSC may apply for new service | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Does Boston charge an ADU impact fee?
No. Boston charges standard building, plumbing, and electrical permit fees through ISD but does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act prohibits excessive fees.
Will I pay linkage fees for a Boston ADU?
No. Boston's Inclusionary Development Policy and linkage fees apply to large multi-unit developments under Article 80 of the BZC and do not cover single accessory dwelling units on residential lots.
Chelsea FAQ
No FAQs available.
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