Accessory Dwelling Unit Survey

City of Framingham Planning & Community Development Department

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a self-contained housing unit, inclusive of sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities, on the same lot as a principal dwelling, that maintains a separate entrance and is subordinate in size to the principal dwelling unit. It is designed to maintain the appearance and character of the single-family residence and neighborhood. ADU’s can provide options for families that have a member who would like to live independently and privately but needs additional support or assistance.

ADU’s are allowed in zoning codes of various municipalities in Massachusetts such as the Town of Hudson, City of Newton, City of Lowell, Town of Lexington, Town of Needham, and others. Any construction related to an accessory dwelling unit would have to obtain a proper permit prior to construction and use, as well as having to meet all applicable codes including building codes, fire safety requirements, zoning (dimensional and parking) requirements, life safety, etc.

The City of Framingham Planning Board received a referral from the City Council on February 23, 2021 to review and recommend on the matter of drafting an Ordinance regarding ADUs, where one does not currently exist in the City Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Board is seeking public input and commentary to gauge public interest in adopting a zoning ordinance related to ADUs. The Planning Board will be hosting community discussions on the topic in addition to this survey.

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* 1. Should accessory dwelling units (ADU's) be allowed in the City of Framingham?

Yes, in all zoning districts where residential properties are allowed.

Yes, but only in districts with the densest single family neighborhoods where minimum lot size is 12,000 square feet or less (G, R-1, R-2 zoning districts)

Yes, but only in low-density residential neighborhoods where minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet or more (R-3, R-4 zoning districts)

No, ADU's should never be allowed.

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* 2. If ADU's were available, how likely are you in the next 5 years to pursue living in a property with an ADU?

Very likely

Likely

Unlikely

Very unlikely

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* 3. If ADU's were to be allowed, what process should be required for the approval of an ADU?

By-right with no additional board approval.

Any ADU should be permitted through an additional board approval process where public notice is given (For example, a special permit through the Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board)

Only detached ADUs should be permitted through an additional board approval process where public notice is given (For example, a special permit through the Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board)

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* 4. Should there be a restriction on the size of an accessory dwelling unit?

No, there should be no size limitation on the ADU.

Yes, the ADU should be no greater than 500 square feet in area.

Yes, the ADU should be no greater than 600 square feet in area.

Yes, the ADU should be no greater than 750 square feet in area.

Yes, the ADU should be greater than 850 square feet in area.

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Should the owner of a property with an ADU be required to live in the primary residence?

Yes, the primary residence should be owner-occupied.

No, the primary residence does not need to be the primary residence of the owner.

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Should there be a restriction on the location of the accessory dwelling unit?

ADU's should have to be attached to the primary dwelling unit.

ADU's can be attached or detached (stand-alone) from the primary dwelling unit.

Other (please specify)

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* 7. If allowed, should accessory dwelling units be required to provide additional, off-street parking?

Yes, 1 additional parking spot should be allocated for the ADU.

Yes, 2 additional parking spots should be allocated for the ADU.

No, the single-family dwelling minimum requirement of 2 parking spaces is enough, there is no need for additional parking spaces for the ADU.

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* 8. If ADU's were allowed in your neighborhood, how likely would you be to pursue constructing one within the next 3 years on your property?

Very likely

Likely

Unlikely

Very unlikely

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* 9. Please provide the Voting District where you reside. The Department will use this information to ensure we have responses from City of Framingham residents.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Survey

City of Framingham Planning & Community Development Department

Question Title

* 1. Should accessory dwelling units (ADU's) be allowed in the City of Framingham?

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* 2. If ADU's were available, how likely are you in the next 5 years to pursue living in a property with an ADU?

Question Title

* 3. If ADU's were to be allowed, what process should be required for the approval of an ADU?

Question Title

* 4. Should there be a restriction on the size of an accessory dwelling unit?

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* 5. Should the owner of a property with an ADU be required to live in the primary residence?

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* 6. Should there be a restriction on the location of the accessory dwelling unit?

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* 7. If allowed, should accessory dwelling units be required to provide additional, off-street parking?

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* 8. If ADU's were allowed in your neighborhood, how likely would you be to pursue constructing one within the next 3 years on your property?

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* 9. Please provide the Voting District where you reside. The Department will use this information to ensure we have responses from City of Framingham residents.

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* 10. Please provide any additional comments. We appreciate your time and would love to hear your thoughts.