Accessory Dwelling Units

An Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), often referred to as in-law suite, is a small residential living space located on the same lot as another home. A law recently passed at the State level allows certain property owners to build an ADU by-right.

ADUs can be inside an existing home, like converting a basement into an apartment, attached to a primary residence as an addition, or completely detached, like a cottage or converted garage in a backyard.

Wellesley Zoning Bylaw Section 5.13 Accessory Dwelling Units administers the requirements of building a legal ADU in Wellesley. The Planning Board and Town Meeting are responsible for updating the ADU bylaw to reflect the requirements of the state while also reflecting the needs of the community.

Below are several resources from the State with more information about ADUs and ADU legislation, as well as Town of Wellesley’s current ADU bylaw, and some proposed changes that may be discussed at future Planning Board hearings and future Town Meetings.

Resources:  

         - ADU Legislation in Affordable Homes Act

         - ADU Model Zoning from MAPC

         - ADU Regulations from EOHLC

          - ADU FAQs from EOHLC

         - Wellesley ADU Zoning Bylaw

Forms and Documents:

         - ADU Certificate of Compliance

          - ADU Notice of Accessory Unit