A 2024 law and a 2025 assistance program have spurred a flurry of ADU projects across the state.
Massachusetts communities have seen a growing number of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permits after a new law helped streamline permitting for backyard cottages, garage apartments, and other similar housing types.
As Christian M. Wade explains in The Eagle-Tribune, “There were 1,639 applications last year for so-called accessory dwelling units, also known as “granny flats,” on residential properties statewide, with 1,224 projects permitted by local building departments, according to the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.”
According to an article by Michael Vyskocil for Boston’s 92.9 HD2, an August 2024 state bill authorized ADUs by-right in single-family zoning district across the state. “In December 2025, Healey rolled out a new Massachusetts Housing Partnership program to assist homeowners with building ADUs, an initiative supported by $10 million in available funding.”
Read the full story: State law prompts mini-boom of 'granny flat' projects
Columbus Introduces New Rules Allowing ADUs in all Residential Districts
The city’s recent zoning code updates include new rules for secondary housing units.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
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Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority