
By Jeffrey North Belmont now allows small accessory apartments by right on most residential lots, putting it roughly in line with neighbors like Arlington and Lexington — but the number actually built so far remains very low. After years of debate, Belmont has joined the growing list of Massachusetts communities that allow “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs) on most residential lots. The town’s ADU bylaw, approved at the March 2025 Special Town Meeting, was crafted to comply with the state’s 2024 Affordable Homes Act, which requires communities to allow at least one small ADU by right where residential units are allowed. [READ MORE]

