During last January’s State of the City Address, Mayor Michelle Wu pledged that Boston would prioritize updating its ADU program so that it is easier for residents to access this affordable, and underutilized rental option. At the time, we praised the Mayor and her administration for correctly identifying that Boston residents want ADUs and that restrictive zoning is a primary barrier to providing those homes.
Since then, the State Legislature took separate action and legalized ADUs by-right statewide in the landmark Affordable Homes Act. However, this provision DOES NOT apply to Boston. This means that the broad legalization and liberalization of ADU regulations that is being rolled out across the state will not take place in Boston. Instead, most Boston residents are still subject to the rules promulgated in the 2019 zoning amendment that only allows for ADUs in narrowly defined circumstances. So today, we are officially launching an advocacy campaign to legalize ADUs by-right citywide.
To kick off this campaign we ask you to sign the letter below urging your District AND At-Large City Council members to support the citywide legalization of ADUs.
While City Councilors do not exercise direct control over zoning rules, obtaining their support is essential to passing any new zoning amendment. As housing champions, we need to make sure that they know their constituents support ADUs in their neighborhoods.
We ask that you send a letter today
Why is this important?
Boston has some of the highest home prices in the nation, with median sale prices in 2024 averaging roughly $800,000. Rental prices are also out of reach for many, as the average Boston apartment costs over $3,000 per month. Simply put, Boston residents need more new affordable housing options. Expanding access to ADUs is a perfect way for Boston to provide these new homes. They help seniors stay in their communities by providing a space for a caregiver or gaining access to supplemental income and they help families stay together by providing housing for grandparents, recent graduates, or loved ones with disabilities. ADUs provide flexibility that homeowners need, all while adding much needed rental homes to the community!