Should accessory dwelling units increase in square footage? Sandwich town meeting Nov. 17

Sandwich, Massachusetts voters will consider expanding accessory dwelling unit regulations at a November 17 town meeting, potentially increasing maximum ADU size from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.

The proposal reflects a growing national trend toward larger secondary housing units as communities seek to address housing shortages through zoning reforms.

ADUs, also known as granny flats or in-law units, are secondary residential structures built on single-family properties and have become increasingly popular tools for creating affordable housing options.

The Massachusetts town's consideration of larger ADUs mirrors policy discussions occurring across California, where state legislation has significantly expanded ADU development rights.

California's ADU laws allow homeowners to build secondary units up to 1,200 square feet in most cases, with some jurisdictions permitting larger structures.

The Sandwich proposal would actually exceed California's typical size limits, suggesting that East Coast communities may be adopting more permissive ADU policies than previously seen.

For California property developers and homeowners, the Massachusetts example demonstrates continued momentum for ADU expansion nationwide, potentially influencing future state legislation that could further relax size restrictions or streamline approval processes.

The town meeting will also address short-term rental regulations, with officials warning that failure to approve new rules could eliminate vacation rental operations entirely, highlighting the complex regulatory landscape facing property owners seeking to maximize rental income from both primary residences and accessory units.