Rehoboth, MA

Rehoboth, MA Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 2/10 (10 is most accepting)

Last updated: 10.29.2024

What You Need To Know

Currently not in compliance with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act.

In-law apartments are the only defined unit type in Rehoboth and can not must be used as an extension of the main dwelling.

Type of ADU Permit Required

Currently, a special permit is required, but that will have to change once Rehoboth rewrites their rules to be compliant with the state guidelines.

ADU Rules

  • Definition: An in-law apartment is an extension of a single-family dwelling providing facilities for sleeping, eating, bathing, and living.

  • Egress Requirements: The in-law unit must have a code-compliant means of egress through the main dwelling; garages or service areas cannot serve as the primary egress.

  • Size Limit: The total livable area of the in-law apartment cannot exceed 750 square feet.

  • Rental Restriction: The in-law apartment cannot be rented as a separate or independent unit from the main dwelling.

  • Unit Limitation: Only one in-law apartment is allowed per single-family dwelling.

  • Notarized Letter Requirement: Before a building permit is issued, the owner must submit a notarized letter stating:

    • The owner will occupy one of the dwelling units as their primary residence, except for temporary absences.

    • The in-law apartment is an extension of the single-family dwelling and is not an independent rental unit.

  • Recording Requirement: The notarized letter must be recorded in the County Registry of Deeds or Land Court within the property's chain of title.


Resources:

https://www.rehobothma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4911/f/uploads/zoning_by-law-stm-5-13_28-19-ag_approved-8-28-19.pdf