Parking Rules Are Quietly Limiting ADU Growth
In many Massachusetts communities, ADUs are technically allowed—but still difficult to build.
One of the biggest reasons is parking.
Local zoning often requires an additional off-street parking space for a new unit. On smaller lots, especially in dense areas, that requirement can be impossible to meet.
This creates a situation where ADUs are legal in theory but blocked in practice.
Cities like Somerville have started to recognize this issue and are reevaluating parking requirements to better align with housing goals.
This shift reflects a broader change in thinking.
Parking minimums were originally designed to manage congestion, but in transit-accessible areas, they can conflict with efforts to increase housing supply.
For ADUs, the impact is significant.
Removing or reducing parking requirements immediately expands the number of properties that can support a unit. It also reduces project cost and complexity.
As more municipalities revisit these rules, expect ADU feasibility to improve across Eastern Massachusetts.
Sometimes, the biggest barriers aren’t obvious.
And removing them can unlock a surprising amount of housing.
Sources
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/accessory-dwelling-units-adu
