Ashfield residents will soon decide whether to increase the maximum size of accessory dwelling units from 900 to 1,200 square feet. The proposed “protected-use accessory dwelling unit bylaw” will be up for a vote at the Annual Town Meeting on May 2.
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Affordable Housing
Policy Analysis
Ashfield to vote on increasing by-right ADU size cap to 1,200 square feet
Photo by Greenfield Recorder
Key Takeaways:
- Proposed Bylaw Increase: From 900 to 1,200 square feet.
- Protected-Use Status: ADUs could receive protected-use classification under the bylaw.
- May 2 Town Vote: The meeting date holds the key to approval.
- Local Context: Reflects Ashfield’s efforts to address housing needs.
- Original Publication: Article first appeared in the Greenfield Recorder.
Opening Paragraph
Ashfield will weigh a consequential housing decision on May 2, when residents gather for the Annual Town Meeting. They will consider a bylaw change increasing the maximum allowable size for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from the state’s limit of 900 square feet to 1,200 square feet.
The Proposed Bylaw
Under the proposed “protected-use accessory dwelling unit” bylaw, these smaller residences would have a slightly higher square-footage cap. Advocates of the measure believe the extra space could offer more comfortable living arrangements while maintaining the character of the town’s neighborhoods.
Current State Guidelines
At present, Massachusetts sets a 900-square-foot threshold for by-right ADUs. Ashfield’s plan to expand that limit to 1,200 square feet marks a notable deviation within the commonwealth’s regulatory framework. Town officials have not released additional specifics but highlight that approval would come down to local support.
Potential Impact on Housing
Allowing larger ADUs could encourage more flexible housing solutions, ranging from multi-generational living to rental opportunities. Local residents who support the change argue that this move may help address a pressing need for varied housing options while ensuring the bylaw’s protective measures.
Looking Ahead
The fate of the proposed bylaw rests in the hands of Ashfield’s voting residents. If approved at the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, the regulation would grant homeowners the right to construct bigger ADUs, potentially shaping the community’s approach to housing for years to come.
