WORCESTER – The Worcester City Council approved an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance on Tuesday night that allows one additional, self-contained housing unit of up to 900 square feet on residential lots with three or fewer dwelling units.
Two councilors proposed amendments to the plan developed and presented by Worcester Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn. District One Councilor Sean Rose’s amendment, which passed 9-2 (Haxhiaj, Nguyen) against), requires the owner of the property to reside at a residence with an ADU. An amendment by District Three Councilor George Russell sought to require planning board approval for an ADU at single-family residences. That amendment was defeated 5-6 (Russell, Bergman, Colorio, Toomey, Mero-Carlson).
Dunn told councilors in other municipalities in Massachusetts where an ADU policy was enacted without restrictions, there has not been a large number of new units created.
The new policy is intended to enable property owners to create additional housing availability. The primary use is expected to be for family members, but that is not a requirement in the ordinance. Councilors also discussed an ADU as a potential means to create revenue for homeowners struggling with property taxes as the value of their home increases.
The ordinance defines an ADU as “a self-contained house unit which provides complete, independent living facilities for one (1) or more personal located on the same lot as an existing dwelling unit(s).” The ordinance also requires the ADU to be clearly subordinate in size and maintain separate entrances. The ADU may not be sold separately from the principal building and must remain in common ownership.
The full text of the ordinance is available, but does not include Rose’s ammendment.
