By Carol Britton Meyer

The proposal to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Hull took center stage during the first town meeting session this week, with voters supporting its passage – 240 to 79 – following a lengthy discussion.

Passage of the ADU article will allow certain homeowners of single-family residences to add and rent out a self-contained housing unit within their home, subordinate in size to the principal dwelling, subject to the special permit process.

This is part of the effort to increase the town’s housing stock and to allow those who wish to the opportunity to “age in place” and to benefit from the income generated from an ADU.

Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio explained before the vote that during a discussion about ADUs at the 2023 special town meeting, the article was referred to further study.

The maximum size of the ADU unit is 900 square feet, and the single-family dwelling must be owner-occupied. No units may be rented for less than six months to resolve short-term vacation rental concerns voiced by some citizens throughout the process.

An ADU is limited to a maximum of two bedrooms, with one off-street parking space required per bedroom. No exterior stairs to an ADU unit are allowed.

There’s a maximum of 10 permits that could be issued annually over 10 years, for a potential 100 ADUs. Expansion of the single-family home after approval of this bylaw would make the dwelling ineligible for an ADU permit.

“This is a way to produce more affordable units, although they won’t be deeded as such,” DiIorio said. “The special permit requirement would allow for abutters to be notified and for review by town boards, where [neighbors] can bring up any concerns they have. This [use] only applies in single-family districts for single-family homes.”

There are currently 1,300 rental units in Hull.

Resident Patrick Finn was credited for his efforts leading to voter approval of ADUs, from the initial article to the most recent version.

In response to questions from voters, DiIorio clarified that should a house with an ADU be offered for sale, the permit could be transferred within 30 days through the building commissioner. In addition, owners of homes with ADUs are required to recertify annually with the building inspector.

Building Commissioner Bartley Kelly noted in response to other questions that the enforcement of the ADU regulations would be primarily left up to neighbors to report any violations that they notice. Otherwise, it would be difficult to enforce, he said.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Select Board member Jerry Taverna, speaking as a citizen, was supportive of the warrant article. “There’s a housing crisis in Massachusetts, and not a lot of people will be able to take advantage of this because there are many small lots [in Hull],” he said. “It’s a no brainer.”

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.