Skip to main content

Haverhill ADU Ordinance

Posted on
October 18th at 2:59pm.

Haverhill’s Mayor's Office filed an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance and plans to hold hearings with the Planning Board on November 9th and the City Council on November 20th.

Under the proposed ordinance, an ADU located completely within the existing footprint of a principal with not more than four units can be built by right as long as it complies with the following regulations:

  • Owner occupancy requirement
  • Two-bedroom limit
  • Single-meter utilities
  • Maximum size of 1200 square feet or 40% of the principal dwelling living space (whichever is less)
  • Minimum size of 350 square feet
  • One additional off-street parking spot
  • Minimum rental duration of 12 months

A detached ADU that is not built by utilizing an existing detached accessory building will require a special permit. Detached ADUs built by converting existing detached accessory buildings will also require a special permit, unless they are certified an Affordable Accessory Dwelling Unit by the Department of Community Development.

For an ADU to be affordable, it must be deed restricted to cap the maximum rent to 70% of the fair market value as established by HUD. Those seeking to build affordable ADUs may be eligible for a loan program established by the city and if allowed by a home rule-petition, may be eligible for certain property tax exemptions.

The application for a building permit and/or occupancy permit for an ADU or an application for a special permit for an ADU must include a site plan, the floor plan of the principal dwelling, and a floor plan of the proposed ADU. The site plan must be prepared and stamped by a registered land surveyor.

In September, Haverhill Town Monitor Mike Morales and NSR Staff met with Haverhill Mayor Jim Fiorentini to discuss the city’s proposed ADU ordinance.

After the meeting, NSR had the opportunity to submit comments to the Mayor's Office about the proposed ADU ordinance. NSR advocated for by-right development of ADUs, and the removal of potential barriers to production, including parking requirements, bedroom limits, and minimum 12-month rental requirements.

NSR will continue advocating for the removal of these barriers at future public hearings. Updates will be posted on the NSR Blog.