Massachusetts lawmakers are banking on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to help tackle the state’s housing crisis, one in-law suite at a time. The recently signed Affordable Homes Act paves the way for these secondary dwellings statewide, potentially easing housing shortages. However, the clock is ticking for cities and towns to amend their zoning bylaws to align with the new state law by February 2.


In Berkshire County, only three of the 21 towns with ADU bylaws currently comply with the new legislation. The remaining municipalities face a daunting task of revising their zoning laws, a process fraught with questions and ambiguities yet to be clarified by the state. Cornelius Hoss, a community planner, notes the challenge, especially for volunteer planning boards with limited resources.


Historic housing legislation adds new tools to affordable housing toolbox in massachusetts. Will they help berkshire county?

Despite the state law superseding local bylaws, failure to amend them could hinder towns’ abilities to regulate ADU construction and rental. Hoss emphasizes the importance of implementing “reasonable” restrictions, such as additional size limitations or site plan reviews.


Understanding ADUs


ADUs, also known as “granny flats” or “in-law apartments,” are secondary dwellings with their own facilities on the same lot as a principal dwelling. Massachusetts Housing Secretary Ed Augustus describes them as “low-hanging fruit” for quick housing solutions.


The new law standardizes ADU definitions and restrictions, prohibiting special permits for single ADUs and limiting their size to half the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller. Only Great Barrington, Williamstown, and Lanesborough currently meet these criteria.


Incentives for Amendment


While towns are not obligated to amend their bylaws, doing so allows them to tailor restrictions, such as short-term rental limitations, to local needs. Alexandria Glover, a civil litigator, warns that failing to update bylaws could lead to confusion and outdated regulations.


Lenox, for instance, plans to amend its zoning bylaw by May, removing the special permit requirement and adjusting size limitations. However, the town grapples with concerns over short-term rentals and absentee landlords.


Waiting and Watching


Some towns, like Florida, are adopting a “wait and see” approach, allowing the state law to take effect without immediate local amendments. This strategy buys time to gauge community opinion and receive further guidance from the state.


As municipalities across Berkshire County navigate these changes, they share a sense of urgency and anticipation. The original article from The Berkshire Eagle highlights the complexities and opportunities presented by the Affordable Homes Act, prompting a reevaluation of housing strategies in the region.


More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Proptech Promised a Revolution — So Why Does Real Estate Still Feel the Same?

Despite billions poured into proptech and a decade of flashy digital upgrades, the real estate experience remains largely unchanged. Apps made processes smoother, but not more transparent — because the industry’s core structures, data control and power dynamics stayed the same. True disruption will come from platforms that shift information and control to consumers, not just digitize outdated systems.

CRE Markets Wake Up in 2026: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know

Early 2026 is delivering a clear message: commercial real estate is entering a recalibration phase. Construction is softening, pending home sales just saw a sharp drop, consumer sentiment is inching upward but remains fragile, and capital markets are tightening as major CRE sectors face rising distress. From data centers powering ahead to CMBS foreclosures climbing and office-to-residential conversions gaining momentum, professionals across real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance need to stay sharp as the industry shifts.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Real Estate Careers of 2026

Discover the real estate roles earning the biggest paychecks in 2026. From investment consultants to commercial leasing managers, this breakdown highlights the salaries, responsibilities, and career paths offering the strongest financial potential in today’s evolving market—perfect for newcomers and seasoned professionals mapping their next big move.

Montana Launches Bold Licensing Reform Task Force to Boost Workforce Participation

Montana is taking major steps to remove outdated licensing barriers and strengthen its workforce. Governor Greg Gianforte has created a new Licensing Reform Task Force aimed at modernizing regulations, speeding up approvals, and helping more professionals enter high‑demand fields like construction and healthcare. With licensing numbers doubling over the past decade and rural communities facing critical shortages, the state is pushing for faster, more efficient pathways to work. The task force begins meeting in February and will deliver its full reform report by September 2026 — a move that could influence licensing modernization efforts nationwide.

AI Becomes Standard Gear for Real Estate Agents in 2026

Artificial intelligence has officially moved from novelty to necessity in the real estate world. According to new industry data, 97% of brokerage leaders say their agents now rely on AI tools for everything from listing descriptions to full-scale marketing campaigns. As adoption skyrockets, so do concerns over training, accuracy, and compliance — especially among smaller firms. The message is clear: for today’s real estate professionals, AI literacy isn’t optional anymore.

How the Biggest Players Shaped the 2025 Commercial Real Estate Comeback

Commercial real estate roared back to life in 2025, with more than $255B pouring into multifamily, industrial, office and retail assets. Major investors moved fast on falling interest rates, improving bond yields and rising confidence across sectors. Multifamily dominated with over $115B in deals, industrial surged under private equity leadership, office saw renewed activity from owner-users and retail proved surprisingly resilient. For today’s real estate and finance professionals, the message is clear: opportunity favors those who stay informed and ready to act.