By Al Blake
Since the Town Meeting and the Becket Beat’s coverage of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in May (becketbeat.org/may-2025), there have been many questions circulating about how it will play out. As a refresher, Governor Healey signed into law the Affordable Homes Act (AHA) effective February 25, 2025, to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts. The AHA allows homeowners to create ADUs in single-family zoning districts. ADUs may be half the square footage of a primary residence or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller. They may be within a home, attached to a home, or detached from it; and they must conform to Becket’s water, sewage, and electrical requirements. But by law the Town’s restrictions must be no more limiting than the AHA’s zoning stipulations. A local ADU bylaw for an additional ADU by special permit will also be presented to voters.
Our first ADU is now in progress and is expected to be completed in the fall. It is a 520-square-foot addition atop an existing garage and intended to be used by the family’s son and partner. The owner is pleased to have the opportunity to provide an affordable living space for his family. The contractor is Ron Birrell (birrellbuilders.com) who also built the original structure. Ron is available to discuss any potential plans community members are considering with the advent of this new law.
