An Order to amend the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance by repealing and replacing Section XI.K.3, Accessory Dwelling Units.

Amesbury updates its ADU rules to meet state requirements and broaden where ADUs may be built. The changes expand size limits, housing types, and locations, while relaxing occupancy rules and adding design waivers.

approved CITYWIDE

STEP 1

Submitted

MAR 10 2026
STEP 2 · CURRENT

Approved

APR 14 2026

AI summary · plain-language

This ordinance repeals and replaces Section XI.K.3 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance to comply with Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 and 760 CMR 71.00 (Protected Use ADUs). It expands eligibility and locations for ADUs, adjusts permit findings to align with the Dover Amendment, removes owner-occupancy requirements, updates design and dimensional standards, and introduces a waiver provision subject to Planning Board review. The changes affect homeowners and developers by increasing ADU size to 900 sq ft, permitting ADUs in two- and multi-family structures and in existing residential uses outside districts, and streamlining the process through site plan review and standardized design criteria.

Generated by an LLM. Not legal text. Read the official ordinance for binding language.

Key provisions

§1 ADUs may be up to 900 square feet in gross floor area.

§2 ADUs may be located in two- and multi-family structures.

§3 ADUs allowed in existing residential uses located outside residential districts.

§4 Owner-occupancy removed; special permit findings align with Dover Amendment; waivers of design/dimensional standards allowed.

Discussed at meetings

City Council City Council MeetingApril 14, 2026

refer2026-068

take 2026-068 out of order

SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR HOGUE · VOTE: APPROVED 7-1 (STATED EARLIER AS MOTION CARRIES SEVEN TO ONE)