ADU's Will Expand Our Communities! What you need to know about Title 5 and ADU's
New Massachusetts law allows Owners of any property zoned for residences to add a second small dwelling to the property in most instances.
ADU’s Will Expand Our Communities! What You Need to Know about Title 5 and ADU's:
The New Massachusetts ADU law (Accessory Dwelling Unit) allows for the development of added living quarters on most residential properties. This additional dwelling can take the form of a small new stand-alone building, an addition, or the conversion of an existing space to a dwelling. Size is limited to a maximum of 900 square feet. This is a new right of property owners, and it is not to be restricted except as required by fire and building codes, property line setbacks and other environmental requirements. The purpose of this new home can be whatever the Owner needs: a mother-in-law apartment, a place for a caregiver, a rental unit, or a remote office. The intent of this ADU code is to expand available housing options without the need for new subdivisions and hopefully with minimal cost and environmental impact.
Homestead Inc. develops on-site septic systems where there is no public sewer. ADU’s have 1 or 2 bedrooms added to the number of bedrooms in the original house. An expanded leach field is designed to accompany this new capacity, or a separate small septic system is designed. Existing septic systems permitted in 1995 or later may sometimes be expanded at low cost. Older septic systems usually are replaced with newer technology. Because of new septic system options there is often no required footprint enlargement to existing septic systems.
Homestead Inc. provides all required land testing and documentation, including well use, driveways and full septic system planning. We help obtain bids from contractors and supervise the installation.
We offer a free site consultation to outline the necessary steps. Call us to discuss your plans: 413-628-4533
Posted: to Homestead Blog on Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Updated: Thu, Feb 26, 2026
