Massachusetts needs more housing, and more diverse housing. But for decades, state and local regulations have restricted what can be built. The 2024 Affordable Homes Act legalized accessory dwelling units (ADUs) statewide. Since then, homeowner interest has surged, and permits have increased, yet regulatory and process barriers hold back production. Other states show that one round of legislation is seldom enough. 

That's why Boston Indicators and Abundant Housing Massachusetts partnered to produce this new report, ADUs Turn One: Regulatory Barriers to Production in Massachusetts and Ideas for Further Reform. 

The Affordable Homes Act sought to address the most obvious barrier: local zoning. But restrictive zoning continues to be an issue, along with other regulations that add time, cost, and uncertainty to projects that are already tough to afford. Building codes, fire codes, septic standards, stormwater rules, and energy requirements are fragmented across 351 cities and towns, many of which layer on rules more restrictive than state standards. 

The report draws on interviews with ADU builders, architects, attorneys, homeowners, state agency officials, and housing advocates, and makes concrete recommendations for reform. Massachusetts has shown that statewide legalization produces results faster than years of local advocacy or compliance mandates. This report examines what it will take to build on that progress. 

The event will include a report presentation from Boston Indicators Senior Fellow Amy Dain, followed by a panel discussion. Panelists to be announced.