Bill > S1018

This bill modifies a section of existing law by changing the language from "shall not" to "may" regarding municipalities' ability to preserve owner occupancy in accessory dwelling units (ADUs). In practical terms, this shifts the legal requirement from a prohibition to a permissive option, giving local governments more flexibility in how they regulate ADUs. An accessory dwelling unit is typically a secondary housing unit located on the same lot as a primary residence, such as a basement apartment, backyard cottage, or converted garage. By changing "shall not" to "may", the bill allows municipalities to create local regulations that require property owners to live on the same property as their ADU, potentially helping to maintain neighborhood character and ensure that such units are used primarily for family or long-term housing needs rather than purely as investment properties.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1018