ADU Rules in Springfield, Massachusetts

Springfield is the Hampden County seat and largest city in western Massachusetts, with a population of about 155,000 on the Connecticut River near the Massachusetts-Connecticut border. A designated Gateway City and one of New England's significant urban centers, Springfield is home to the Basketball Hall of Fame (basketball was invented here by James Naismith), Springfield Armory National Historic Site, and a major educational cluster. Massachusetts enacted a statewide ADU law (Chapter 150, Acts of 2024) requiring ADUs by right in single-family zones.

Massachusetts Statewide ADU Law (2024)

Massachusetts Chapter 150, Acts of 2024 requires municipalities to allow ADUs by right in single-family residential zoning districts. Verify how Springfield has implemented this law.

Springfield Zoning Ordinance

The City of Springfield Zoning Ordinance governs land use in Springfield city limits.

Permitted ADU Types

Per Massachusetts ADU law and Springfield zoning (verify current standards):

• Basement and interior conversions: Common in Springfield's multi-story Victorian housing stock
• Attached ADUs: With separate entrance
• Detached ADUs: In rear yards of eligible zones

Size Limits

Per Massachusetts ADU law:

• ADU cannot exceed smaller of: primary dwelling or 900 square feet
• Lot coverage restrictions per zone

Setbacks

Per Springfield residential zone:

• Rear: Minimum setback
• Side: Minimum setback

Connecticut River Flood Zones

Parts of Springfield near the Connecticut River are in FEMA flood zones. The Connecticut River has historically flooded Springfield's lower areas. Verify flood zone status for any property near the river.

Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act

Properties within 100 feet of wetlands or 200 feet of rivers/streams are subject to Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Springfield Conservation Commission review is required.

Historic Districts

Springfield has historic neighborhoods with significant 19th-century architecture. Verify historic district status with Springfield's Office of Planning and Economic Development.

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning and state ADU law compliance: Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development
2. Check flood zone: If near the Connecticut River
3. Conservation Commission review: If near wetlands or waterways
4. Historic review: If in a historic district
5. Submit plans: Springfield Building Department
6. Building permit and inspections
7. CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

City of Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development 70 Tapley Street, Springfield, MA 01104 Phone: (413) 787-6020 Website: springfield-ma.gov/planning

Disclaimer: Massachusetts statewide ADU law (2024) requires ADUs by right in single-family zones. Connecticut River flood zones affect portions of Springfield. Verify current standards before starting any project.