Not at this time. The City is exploring opportunities to provide future financial and/or technical assistance for ADUs. In the interim the State of Massachusetts, via MassHousing, offers an Accessory Dwelling Unit Loan Program (ADULP); more information about the loan program can be found on their Accessory Dwelling Unit Loan Program Website

It depends. ADUs located in existing dwellings with utilities may rely on their existing plumbing (water/sewer) connections. If you propose to modify your existing utilities outside of your house (e.g. upgrade the size of your water line, install a new line, etc.) you will need a permit from DPW&P Engineering. However, ADUs in detached structures will require a permit from DPW&P Engineering as you will need to make changes to the sewer outside of your house and the associated trenching for water and sewer.

Yes, all ADUs will require a new address! If you apply for a building permit under your current address, the building permit will be put on hold and require you to create a street numbering request (SNCA) before we're able to issue a building permit for the project.

It depends. Although Worcester has adopted the Specialized Stretch Energy Code, it does not apply to every project. The Specialized Energy code applies to new buildings only. This means a detached ADU must comply with the Specialized Energy code. However, if your ADU is attached to an existing building, it is considered an addition or renovation and must follow the Stretch Energy Code instead. Energy requirements for ADUs are generally less strict, when compared to new homes, to help encourage their development.

It really depends. Adding an ADU may change the classification of a property under the building code and introduce new requirements that impact the new unit, or the entire structure related to things like life-safety including, but not limited to, egress, sprinklers and fire alarms. For example, if your proposed ADU constitutes a third unit to an existing structure, it will require Fire Protection Systems.

ADUs require a certificate of occupancy prior to use. You can obtain a copy of the certificate of occupancy for any property from Inspectional Services by emailing inspections@worcesterma.gov with the address for the property. If you don't have an occupancy certificate indicating the property has an ADU, the space that is being thought of as an ADU is not yet "legal."