In mid-March, the Planning Board held a hearing on proposed revisions to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaws.

Bill Taylor, Planning Board Chairman, said the revisions are being made to comply with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (AHA) of 2024.

The purpose of the ADU bylaw is to add moderately priced housing to Sandisfield's existing housing stock, to provide housing for persons with disabilities, and to allow homeowners to obtain rental income.

The size of an ADU is limited to a maximum of half of the existing primary residence square footage or 900 sq.ft., whichever is larger. The ADU must have a separate entrance and can be part of the primary residence or a separate building. The same building setback rules apply to the ADU, and the owner no longer must be a full-time resident. The AHA permits ADUs to be As-of-Right, meaning that a special building permit will no longer be required.

The bylaw revisions will be voted on at the Annual Town Meeting in May. For specific questions regarding ADUs, please contact the Town's Building Commissioner, Vinny Tirone, at Building@sandisfieldma.gov.