Following years of often-heated debates across the North Shore about the allowance of accessory-dwelling units — or so-called “in-law apartments” — and what stipulations to put on the creation of them, the state essentially made those discussions moot earlier this month when Gov. Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act that allows ADUs “by-right” in all communities across the Commonwealth in neighborhoods zoned for single-family housing.

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Beverly also worked through a long process to expand ADUs in that city over the past two years after a previous ordinance allowed them only on a temporary basis for family members.

City Councilor Hannah Bowen championed that process that led to a new ordinance that required the owner to live in either the main dwelling area or the ADU itself on any property, and be in line with city bylaws banning short-term, or transient, rentals.

“I’m thrilled with it,” Bowen told Patch of the statewide provision on Thursday. “The work we did to pass a strong ADU ordinance helped to build the case for this policy, and I am proud that we were part of that.

“One of the criticisms I heard during our process was essentially: ‘Sure, this policy makes sense. But doesn’t it hurt Beverly if we increase/adapt our housing supply and none of our neighbors do?’ By enacting this policy statewide, we all benefit.”

Read the full article: https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/new-ma-law-settles-north-shore-long-simmering-adu-debates