Often no. As of October 2026, a Massachusetts town covered by the state ADU law may require no more than one parking space for an ADU, and none if the lot is within half a mile of a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. Some towns, such as Brookline, require none at all.
What exactly does the law say about parking?
Mass.gov's ADU guidance, as of October 2026, says towns may require at most one space for an ADU located more than half a mile from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. Within half a mile, they cannot require any.
Which stations are near the communities we serve?
- Quincy: Red Line stations at North Quincy, Wollaston, Quincy Center and Quincy Adams.
- Brookline: Green Line B, C and D branches.
- Newton: Green Line D branch stations and commuter rail stops.
- Somerville: Red Line and Green Line stations.
The state regulations define which facilities count, so not every bus stop qualifies. We measure from your lot and check the definitions.
Do local rules go further?
Some do. Brookline's May 2026 bylaw says off-street parking is not required for a protected-use ADU anywhere in town. In the City of Boston, which is outside the state law, parking follows Boston's own zoning.
What if I convert my garage?
Converting a garage removes a space for the main house, not just the ADU. Whether the house itself must keep a space is a local zoning question. We check it with the ADU parking rule so the conversion does not create a separate problem.
When does parking still matter?
It depends on the distance and the town. A lot just past the half-mile line may need one space, and fitting it can shape the whole site plan. Even without a requirement, tenants may ask about parking, so we look at how a space or a driveway would work before we finalize the layout.
Related
Sources, as of October 2026: Mass.gov, Accessory Dwelling Units; 760 CMR 71.00; Town of Brookline Article 14 vote (May 2026); MBTA station list.
Updated October 2026