Bedford, NH Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 8/10

Last Updated: 8.28.2024

What You Need To Know

The Town of Bedford permits Accessory Dwelling Units, commonly abbreviated to ADUs, to provide additional opportunities for housing in the community. Bedford allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family parcel, subject to requirements.

Detached Accessory Dwelling Units are separate apartments that are detached from single family homes and located on the same parcel. ADUs offer several benefits for homeowners, including allowing a separate attached living space for relatives, or providing an additional stream of income to rent the units to tenants. The Town does not regulate who resides in an ADU.

Type of ADU Permit Required

Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Board

ADU Rules

ADU Size and Use: The ADU must be smaller than 1,000 square feet and clearly secondary to the primary residence. It should not exceed 50% of the size of the main house.
Detached ADUs in RA District: Detached ADUs are allowed in the Residential & Agricultural (RA) District but require a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Board.
Septic System Requirements: If the property uses a septic system, it must be approved by the NH Department of Environmental Services to ensure adequate capacity for both the main house and the ADU.
Minimum Lot Size: The combined size of the main house and the detached ADU must meet the minimum lot size requirements for the RA District according to the Zoning Ordinance.
No Short-Term Rentals: The ADU cannot be rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO are not allowed. The ADU or main house can be rented on a month-to-month basis, but one must be owner-occupied.
Ownership: The ADU or lot shall not be converted to a condominium or any other form of legal ownership distinct from the ownership of the single dwelling.
Parking Requirements: One parking space must be available for the ADU, using the existing driveway. No new driveway curb cuts are allowed.
Exterior Design and Location: The exterior design of the ADU should match the main house in materials, style, and scale. The ADU should be located in the side or rear yard and have no more than two bedrooms.
Building Permit: A building permit is required for ADUs. Contact the Building Department for details. ADUs built without a permit are not recognized by the Town and could affect future property sales.
Contact Information: For questions about ADUs, contact the Planning Department at (603) 472-5243, or the Building Department for permit-related inquiries at (603) 472-3833.
Impact Fees: Before the ADU can be occupied, impact fees must be paid to the Town. The total fee is $1,159, covering school and recreation impact fees.

Resources:

https://www.bedfordnh.org/DocumentCenter/View/5786/Detached-ADU-Fact-Sheet---2022-

Bedford, New Hampshire