Occupancy Limits: Fall River vs Somerset
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Fall River, MA and Somerset, MA?
Somerset has fewer restrictions than Fall River.
Fall River, MA
Bristol County
Fall River adopted Ordinance No. 2025-07 (codified in Chapter 86 of the City Code via eCode360) to regulate short-term rentals. The local rule caps each STR at a maximum of eight (8) guests, or two (2) guests per bedroom, whichever is less, and prohibits renting separate bedrooms to different parties. State sleeping-room minimums under 105 CMR 410 also apply.
View full Fall River rules →Somerset, MA
Bristol County
STR occupancy in Bristol County follows 105 CMR 410 Sanitary Code minimum square-footage rules (150 sq ft first occupant + 100 sq ft each additional). Local STR ordinances often cap at 2 per bedroom plus 2. New Bedford and Fall River enforce via complaint.
View full Somerset rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fall River | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| Local STR Ord. | No. 2025-07 (Ch. 86) | - |
| Max Guests | 8 total | - |
| Per-Bedroom | 2 guests/bedroom | - |
| State Registry | MGL c.64G + c.62C §67 | - |
| Sanitary Code | 105 CMR 410 | 105 CMR 410.400 |
| Typical Cap | - | 2 per bedroom + 2 |
| Listing | - | Must state max guests |
| Sleeping Outside | - | Prohibited |
| Tax | - | MGL ch. 64G applies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fall River FAQ
How many guests can stay in a Fall River short-term rental?
Fall River Ordinance No. 2025-07 caps every STR at a maximum of eight guests, with a formula of two guests per bedroom, and the unit must be rented to one party at a time. The per-bedroom formula is the controlling number when it is less than eight, and 105 CMR 410 sleeping-room minimums (70 sf for one sleeper plus 50 sf each additional) still apply on top.
Can I rent individual bedrooms to different guests in Fall River?
No. Ordinance No. 2025-07 requires that a Short-Term Rental be rented to one party of renters at a time. Renting separate bedrooms to different parties is prohibited under the local STR rule, regardless of state registration status.
Somerset FAQ
Who enforces occupancy limits rules in Bristol County?
Bristol County's code enforcement division is responsible for short term-rentals ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Bristol County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating occupancy limits rules?
Most Bristol County short term-rentals violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Bristol County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
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