Massachusetts <3 Granny (Flats): Passes $5.16B housing bill with major ADU provision.
Massachusetts <3 Granny (Flats): Passes $5.16B housing bill with major ADU provision.
A $5.16 billion housing bond bill passed in Massachusetts, with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as the killer feature against the state's housing shortage.
Why it matters: According to the governor's office, ADUs could create up to 10,000 new housing units across Massachusetts in the next five years.
The big picture: The bill, sent to Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday morning, aims to address the state's housing crisis through various measures.
Details on the ADU provision:
Requires cities and towns to allow ADUs by right in single-family zones
Caps parking mandates at one spot per unit for ADUs further than ½ mile from public transit
Bans owner occupancy requirements
Between the lines: This change allows more minor additions to larger single-family homes, potentially increasing housing density in suburban areas.
Yes, but: Several other proposals didn't cut, including:
$1 billion for expanding the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to the South Shore
Measures to make landlords pay broker's fees instead of tenants
Grants for rural, small-town, and mid-sized suburban housing
$150 million for converting unused commercial spaces into residential properties
$50 million for a "Healthy Homes" program to address lead paint and other housing health issues
What made it in:
$2 billion for public housing
$800 million for affordable units
Expanded seasonal communities designation
Extended condo conversion law to cover smaller two- and three-family units
Eviction sealing measure
Prohibition on home purchase offers that waive or limit the buyer's right to a home inspection
How it passed:
House: 128-24 vote (not strictly along party lines)
Senate: 37-2 vote
What's next: The bill now awaits Gov. Healey's signature.