Boston ADU Regulations: What Changed in 2024
Key updates to Article 53 and how they affect your ADU project planning and permitting process.
Read More →Skip the design headaches. Get BPDA-compliant architectural plans that are ready to submit for permits in Boston and surrounding areas. Massachusetts ADU plans for studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom accessory dwelling units.
Featured Project
Brookline ADU
800 sq.ft | Detached
Skip the permit headaches and get straight to building with our BPDA compliant pre-designed plans. Massachusetts ADU plans that actually get permits in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and surrounding communities.
Our plans are pre-approved by BPDA, so you skip the typical 3-6 month permit review process
Every plan is guaranteed to meet Boston's Article 53 requirements - or we fix it free
Avoid costly redesigns, permit delays, and architect revisions that plague custom plans
Maximize your property's potential with these key benefits
Create comfortable living spaces for aging parents, adult children, or visiting family members while maintaining privacy.
Generate rental income through long-term leases (minimum 30 days as required by Boston zoning).
Design accessible units that allow seniors to live independently while staying close to family support.
Custom designs meeting all requirements of Boston's ADU Ordinance (Article 53) including dimensional standards, parking reductions, and owner-occupancy rules.
Pre-approved plans that qualify for by-right approval under Boston's zoning code, including all required documents for BPDA and ISD submission.
Complete packages to legalize existing unauthorized units through Boston's Article 80 Small Project Review process.
Choose from our collection of BPDA compliant pre-designed plans. All plans are ready to submit for permits with complete documentation. Perfect for Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Small lot studio designs
Medium lot 1-bedroom designs
Large lot 2-bedroom designs
All plans include digital files and physical prints
Need a custom plan? Contact usOur streamlined process gets your ADU from concept to permit in 4 simple steps. Perfect for Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Select from our pre-approved ADU designs or request custom modifications
We review your property details and zoning requirements for compliance
We adapt the plans to your specific site and prepare all permit documents
You submit the permit-ready plans and start construction with confidence
Compliant designs for every lot size, from studio to 2-bedroom configurations as outlined in Boston's ADU guidelines. Perfect for Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
View Boston's Official ADU Guidelines400-600 sq.ft | Studio | Under 4,000 sq.ft lots
Efficient studio designs perfect for small urban lots. Maximizes space while meeting all Boston zoning requirements.
600-800 sq.ft | 1 Bed, 1 Bath | 4,000-6,000 sq.ft lots
Perfect for medium-sized lots with separate bedroom and living areas. Ideal for family members or long-term rentals.
700-900 sq.ft | 2 Bed, 1 Bath | Over 6,000 sq.ft lots
Spacious 2-bedroom designs for larger lots. Perfect for families or multi-generational living arrangements.
Real projects, real permits, real results. See how our pre-approved plans perform in the field across Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
450 sq.ft | Studio | 3,200 sq.ft lot
"The permit process was incredibly smooth. Sequoia Lodges' plans sailed through BPDA without any revisions needed." - Sarah M.
750 sq.ft | 1 Bed, 1 Bath | 5,500 sq.ft lot
"Perfect for our aging parents. The separate bedroom gives them privacy while keeping them close to family." - David R.
400 sq.ft | 2.5 weeks permit
650 sq.ft | 3 weeks permit
850 sq.ft | 2 weeks permit
Sequoia Lodges LLC is a Boston-based architectural design firm specializing in pre-designed ADU plans that actually get permits. Founded by licensed architects with deep expertise in Boston's complex zoning requirements, we've streamlined the ADU development process for Massachusetts homeowners. Our BPDA compliant pre-designed plans help Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding communities build accessory dwelling units quickly and compliantly.
Massachusetts Licensed Architect • BPDA Compliant Designer • ISD Certified Plans
50+ Successful Permits • 95% First-Time Approval Rate • Average 2-Week Turnaround
Our mission is to eliminate the permit headaches that plague ADU projects. We've designed our pre-designed plans to be fully compliant with Boston's Article 53 requirements, so your plans are guaranteed to meet all zoning standards. No more back-and-forth with city planners—just submit and build.
Our Team
Licensed architect with 15+ years experience
Real feedback from real clients who've successfully built ADUs with our plans in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Brookline, MA
"The permit process was a nightmare until we found Sequoia Lodges. Their pre-approved plans sailed through BPDA in just 3 weeks. We're now renting our ADU for $2,800/month."
Cambridge, MA
"As a contractor, I've seen too many ADU projects fail at permitting. Sequoia Lodges' plans are bulletproof. Every detail is accounted for, and the city reviewers love them."
Newton, MA
"The Professional Package was worth every penny. They handled everything from site assessment to permit submission. My mother-in-law loves her new space, and we love the extra income."
We're not just another design firm—we're your permit success partners for Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities
100% BPDA compliance or we fix it free
Complete plans in 2-3 weeks
Massachusetts licensed professionals
We're here through construction
We work with vetted contractors who know our plans inside and out. Licensed contractors serving Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
All contractors in our network are licensed, insured, and have successfully built our ADU plans in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Contractors familiar with Boston's building codes, permit processes, and local suppliers. Serving Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Direct communication between our team and contractors ensures smooth project execution for Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts ADU projects.
Stay informed about Boston ADU regulations, design trends, and construction tips for Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities
Key updates to Article 53 and how they affect your ADU project planning and permitting process.
Read More →Smart design techniques to make the most of your ADU's square footage while maintaining comfort and functionality.
Read More →A realistic timeline for ADU construction from permit approval to final inspection, including common delays to avoid.
Read More →Everything you need to know about ADU development in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities
Our pre-approved plans typically receive BPDA approval in 2-4 weeks, compared to 3-6 months for custom designs. The ISD building permit usually follows within 1-2 weeks after BPDA approval.
Our plans are designed for three lot categories as outlined in Boston's ADU guidelines: Small lots (under 4,000 sq.ft) with studio options, Medium lots (4,000-6,000 sq.ft) with 1-bedroom options, and Large lots (over 6,000 sq.ft) with up to 2-bedroom ADUs.
Yes, Boston requires owner-occupancy for 3 years after ADU completion. However, you can start the design and permitting process immediately - the 3-year requirement only applies after construction is complete.
No, Boston ADU regulations require minimum 30-day rental periods. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are prohibited for ADUs. This is designed to provide long-term housing rather than hotel-style accommodations.
All packages include complete architectural drawings, BPDA compliance documentation, ISD permit application materials, owner affidavit templates, and digital files. Higher packages add structural engineering, site modifications, and ongoing support for Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Yes! We maintain relationships with trusted contractors throughout Massachusetts who are familiar with our plans. We can provide recommendations based on your location, budget, and timeline preferences for Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and surrounding communities.