NSR Supports Swampscott ADU Ordinance

The North Shore REALTORS® Government Affairs Committee voted to support the proposed Swampscott ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance which will be voted on at the Monday, May 15th Town Meeting.

NSR respectfully asks that you contact your Town Meeting Representative in support of the ADU ordinance.

From the Swampscott Town Website: “The Town of Swampscott has a representative Town Meeting. In a representative Town Meeting, also called a limited Town Meeting, all of the town’s voters may vote for what are called Town Meeting Members. After the voters elect the Town Meeting Members, the Town Meeting Members act as the Town Meeting legislative body by conducting and voting on the business of Town Meeting.”

The ordinance which will allow both attached and detached ADUs (by converting an existing structure) to be built by-right. Subject to the following requirements/restrictions:

• Maximum one ADU per lot
• All new entrances to be located on the side or rear of the structure
• Single-meter utilities
• Owner occupancy requirement

There is no parking requirement or special permit requirement. This ordinance complies with the requirements and standards set forth in the House Choice Initiative, so a simple majority will meet the requirements for approval.

Allowing ADUs to be built in Swampscott is a commonsense measure to help address the need for housing opportunities in town. Not only are ADUs smaller and therefore more affordable to build, they also do not require additional land, and can often be converted from an existing interior or exterior space. These factors make ADUs both environmentally friendly and naturally more affordable.