What is an accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

A housing unit attached to a single-family or two-family home that has a separate means of entrance. ADUs are commonly known as in-law apartments or granny flats. ADUs are a modest way to add more housing.

From American Planning Association: ADUs have the potential to increase housing affordability (both for homeowners and tenants), create a wider range of housing options within the community, enable seniors to stay near family as they age, and facilitate better use of the existing housing fabric in established neighborhoods.

What is Norwood’s Plan for ADUs?

Town Meeting will be voted to send an ADU zoning amendment back to the Planning Board at the Special Town Meeting on March 21, 2024.

Proposed Zoning Amendments (norwoodma.gov)

What other communities allow for ADUs?

According to a 2018 whitepaper from the Pioneer Institute, around 60 communities in Greater Boston allow some form of ADU by right, and that number has grown since then.

ADUs by-right statewide are included in the Affordable Homes Act, filed by Governor Maura Healey in October 2023.