Springfield Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Springfield
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Springfield — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Springfield ADU Zoning Ordinance (administrative site-plan review)(2025)
On January 27, 2025, the Springfield City Council unanimously adopted a local ADU zoning ordinance ahead of the February 2, 2025 effective date of the state ADU regulations. Springfield's ordinance routes ADU applications through an administrative site-plan review rather than allowing permits to issue solely through the Building Department, while still complying with the statewide as-of-right requirement in single-family zones.
Source · springfield-ma.govStatewide ADU by right — Affordable Homes Act §8(2024)
Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 (Affordable Homes Act), Section 8, amended M.G.L. c. 40A § 1A and § 3 to allow accessory dwelling units up to 900 sq ft (or 50% of the principal dwelling, whichever is less) as of right in single-family zoning districts statewide. EOHLC regulations took effect on publication in the Massachusetts Register on January 31, 2025. Springfield is subject to this statewide framework (Boston is the only municipality excluded).
Source · malegislature.govSpringfield Zoning Ordinance (city-published consolidated text)
The City of Springfield's consolidated Zoning Ordinance is published by the Office of Planning & Economic Development and the Code Enforcement Department. It governs Residence A/B/C, Business A/B, and Industrial districts and is the primary local source for setback, height, dimensional, and parking standards in Springfield.
Source · springfield-ma.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Springfield
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Massachusetts
- Building Code: MA State Building Code (780 CMR, based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (MA ADU Law (2024) — requires single-family zones to allow ADUs by right)
County — Hampden County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Springfield
- Max Size
- 900 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required under state ADU law
- Permit Timeline
- 45-75 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Springfield permit information →Official Sources
City-specific