Medford committee reviews ADU ordinance draft to comply with state law and expand local options

The Planning and Permanent Committee reviewed proposed updates to Medford's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance at its March 26 meeting, as staff and the consultant presented a draft meant to comply with a recent state ADU law and to provide local options beyond the state's minimum requirements.

Why it matters: the state law requires municipalities to permit a protected ADU by right wherever single‑family dwelling is allowed by right. Medford's draft implements that mandate and proposes additional local options to increase housing supply while setting design standards and limits intended to protect neighborhood character.

Planners presented the structure of the proposed ADU rewrite. It would: amend definitions (adding terms such as "protected use ADU," "local ADU," "modular dwelling unit" and "transit station"); set general design and gross floor‑area standards for ADUs; establish whether short‑term rentals are allowed; define dimensional standards and parking requirements; and create a special‑permit pathway for some additional units on a lot. The draft follows a model provided by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council…