ADU Rules: Fitchburg vs Webster
How do adu rules rules compare between Fitchburg, MA and Webster, MA?
Fitchburg and Webster have similar restriction levels.
Fitchburg, MA
Worcester County
MA Affordable Homes Act (Ch. 150, Acts of 2024, §8), effective Feb 2, 2025 — ADUs allowed by right in single-family zones statewide, max 900 sq ft or 50% of principal dwelling GFA. Fitchburg Zoning Chapter 181 governs setbacks, height, and bulk. No owner-occupancy requirement.
View full Fitchburg rules →Webster, 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 Webster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Webster |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | Ch. 150, Acts of 2024, §8 | - |
| By-Right | Yes, in single-family zones | - |
| Max Size | 900 sq ft or 50% of dwelling | - |
| Local Regs | Chapter 181 setbacks/height | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fitchburg FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my property in Fitchburg?
MA Affordable Homes Act (Ch. 150, Acts of 2024, §8), effective Feb 2, 2025 — ADUs allowed by right in single-family zones statewide, max 900 sq ft or 50% of principal dwelling GFA. Fitchburg Zoning Chapter 181 governs setbacks, height, and bulk. No owner-occupancy requirement.
What are the size limits for an accessory dwelling unit in Fitchburg?
State Law: Ch. 150, Acts of 2024, §8. By-Right: Yes, in single-family zones. Max Size: 900 sq ft or 50% of dwelling. Local Regs: Chapter 181 setbacks/height.
Webster 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.
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