As our community discusses and seeks to evolve two zoning articles—Article 33 and the MBTA Communities zoning law—intended to increase housing density in town, we should be aware that we already have a great option for increasing housing density. Our accessory apartment bylaw is well-thought-out and provides a host of benefits to residents who take advantage of it.
Massachusetts recently passed legislation allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) statewide, permitting units up to 900 square feet in single-family zoning districts. Each town will need to determine how best to implement this change, but Lexington has been ahead of the curve for years. Our well-established accessory apartment bylaw allows homeowners to create secondary dwelling units within or adjacent to their primary residence, provided they meet specific criteria to maintain neighborhood character.
My family’s experience demonstrates the value of this approach. In 1998, we were living in Arlington and looking for a single-family home within walking distance of a vibrant town center. We also wanted to provide housing for my mother-in-law. To our surprise, we found that most neighboring towns prohibited the construction of an apartment within a single-family home. Lexington’s accessory apartment bylaw provided exactly what we needed, balancing flexibility with sensible requirements for parking and neighborhood aesthetics.
We purchased and restored an 1896 home that had lost its third floor in a fire. Including an accessory apartment in our renovation allowed us to support my mother-in-law for 20 years. Since then, our flexible home has been helpful to our young adult children transitioning out of college. It also enabled our daughter to earn a graduate degree without the added cost of Boston housing. Looking ahead, the apartment offers potential rental income, helping us maintain a home that continues to meet our needs.
Lexington’s forward-thinking approach to accessory apartments has benefited not just our family, but the community as a whole. Homeowners have used this bylaw to provide housing for aging parents, adult children, or renters who need affordable options, creating a more inclusive and flexible housing environment in town. By enabling multi-generational living and increasing housing options without altering the town’s character, this bylaw has made our neighborhood more vibrant and inclusive. With the state’s new ADU legislation, it’s worth highlighting that Lexington already has a mature and effective model in place.
I encourage fellow residents to explore the possibilities that accessory apartments offer by visiting the town’s website or speaking with the Planning and Zoning office to learn more about the application process and requirements. Whether to support family members, generate rental income, or make better use of existing space, these units provide a flexible solution to evolving housing needs. As we continue discussions about zoning changes, let’s not overlook the tool we already have to enhance Lexington’s housing diversity while preserving the qualities that make our town special.