Planning Board Advances Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw Amid Competing Visions
Littleton Planning Board debates ADU zoning before May town vote. The board heard extensive public input on a revised accessory dwelling unit bylaw required to comply with Massachusetts' 2024 Affordable Homes Act, which mandates all municipalities allow ADUs by right starting February 2, 2025.
Planning Board · Meeting of January 8, 2026
Littleton Planning Board debates ADU zoning before May town vote. The board heard extensive public input on a revised accessory dwelling unit bylaw required to comply with Massachusetts' 2024 Affordable Homes Act, which mandates all municipalities allow ADUs by right starting February 2, 2025. Gwendolyn Hellen-Sands, a MAPC housing planner, presented state requirements: ADUs must have separate entrances and not exceed 900 square feet or 50 percent of the principal dwelling size; Littleton's draft allows 1,200 square feet.
Central debate: whether to permit separate ownership of ADUs as condominiums. ZBA Chair Sherry Gould opposed it, citing prior problems with two-owner condos; Affordable Housing Trust member Mark Rambacher supported it to increase homeownership opportunities. The board will continue discussions in February before scheduling a public hearing.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of January 8, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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