ADU Rules: Clinton vs Worcester
How do adu rules rules compare between Clinton, MA and Worcester, MA?
Clinton and Worcester have similar restriction levels.
Clinton, MA
Worcester County
The MA Affordable Homes Act (Ch. 150, Acts of 2024, §8, effective Feb. 2, 2025) requires all MA municipalities to allow by-right ADUs on single-family lots. No county ADU ordinance; all 60 cities and towns must comply with the state mandate.
View full Clinton rules →Worcester, MA
Worcester County
Worcester allows ADUs on properties with existing single-, two-, or three-family dwellings as of January 2024. ADUs are limited to 900 square feet. Massachusetts law now allows ADUs by right statewide.
View full Worcester rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clinton | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | MA Affordable Homes Act, Ch. 150 of 2024 | - |
| Effective Date | February 2, 2025 | - |
| ADUs | By-right on all single-family lots | - |
| County Code | None — county abolished 1998 | - |
| Max Size | - | 900 sq ft |
| Effective | - | January 9, 2024 |
| Eligible | - | 1-3 family properties |
| Number | - | One per property |
| State Law | - | By right statewide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clinton FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my property in Worcester County?
The MA Affordable Homes Act (Ch. 150, Acts of 2024, §8, effective Feb. 2, 2025) requires all MA municipalities to allow by-right ADUs on single-family lots. No county ADU ordinance; all 60 cities and towns must comply with the state mandate.
What are the size limits for an accessory dwelling unit in Worcester County?
State Mandate: MA Affordable Homes Act, Ch. 150 of 2024. Effective Date: February 2, 2025. ADUs: By-right on all single-family lots. County Code: None — county abolished 1998.
Worcester FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Worcester?
Yes. ADUs up to 900 square feet are allowed on properties with existing 1-3 family dwellings. Massachusetts law now allows ADUs by right statewide.
Where can an ADU be placed on my property in Worcester?
ADUs cannot be in the front yard. If attached to the side of the main building, the ADU must be setback 5 feet from the front elevation. Detached ADUs go in the rear yard.
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