ADU News & Law Updates

The Affordable Homes Act §8 requires all 352 Massachusetts jurisdictions to allow ADUs by right in single-family zones — no special permits needed. The biggest ADU reform in the Northeast.

New York City now allows ADUs in many 1-2 family homes (City of Yes) — with key exclusions for historic districts, certain low-density zones, and flood-prone basements. Basement apartment legalization program accepting applications. Could add tens of thousands of legal units citywide.

Chicago's ADU ordinance expands citywide in April 2026, ending the 5-zone pilot. Pre-approved plan sets launching with 6 designs for faster permitting.

California's CalHFA ADU grant (up to $40K) remains paused — funds were fully allocated in December 2023 with no confirmed relaunch, and CalHFA warns that anyone promising the grant now is a scam. SB 1211's multifamily ADU expansion (up to 8 units) is now in effect.

Denver's expanded ADU ordinance now allows accessory dwelling units on all residential lots citywide, removing previous zone restrictions.

Seattle eliminated single-family zoning: up to 4 homes per lot in Neighborhood Residential zones. ADU/DADU distinction removed for simpler permitting.