Newton Passes Accessory Apartment Ordinance

Newton Passes Accessory Apartment Ordinance

Step forward in Mayor Setti Warren’s Housing Strategy goal to expand housing options and affordability for individuals, families, and seniors

Newton, MA – On Monday night, the Newton City Council voted 22-2 to pass an ordinance that allows internal accessory apartments by right, one of the two priority policies in Mayor Setti Warren’s 2016 Housing Strategy. The passage of this ordinance marks the first time that accessory apartments will be allowed by right in all Newton single and two-family homes. 

Accessory apartments will provide much-needed diversity to Newton’s housing stock, increasing options and affordability. This new accessory apartment ordinance will allow individuals, seniors, and families to reside and thrive in Newton and take advantage of all the amenities that the City has to offer.

“This ordinance is a vital component of our housing strategy,” said Mayor Warren. “It is a great step in creating more housing diversity and moderately priced units, giving options to our families and seniors. I am thankful of the collaborative work with the City Council and community members who have worked hard to get this important ordinance passed in our City.”

An accessory apartment is a fully contained, separate unit located within a single- or two-family property.  The new ordinance allows for the construction of interior accessory apartments by right and detached accessory apartments through the special permit process. The owner of the household with an accessory unit must live on the premises. There are size restrictions on the interior unit as well as building codes that must be followed.

For further information visit: www.newtonma.gov/accessoryapartments