Occupancy Limits: Somerset vs Taunton
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Somerset, MA and Taunton, MA?
Somerset and Taunton have similar restriction levels.
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 →Taunton, MA
Bristol County
Taunton has no local STR occupancy ordinance. State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.400 sets minimum sleeping-room area: 70 sq ft for one occupant, 50 sq ft per additional occupant. Taunton Zoning Ch. 440-710(A) bars use of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as a short-term rental.
View full Taunton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerset | Taunton |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Code | 105 CMR 410.400 | - |
| Typical Cap | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| Listing | Must state max guests | - |
| Sleeping Outside | Prohibited | - |
| Tax | MGL ch. 64G applies | - |
| Local STR Cap | - | No specific local cap |
| State Sleeping Area | - | 70 sq ft first / +50 sq ft each add'l (105 CMR 410.400) |
| ADU as STR | - | Prohibited (Ch. 440-710(A)) |
| Family Definition | - | Excludes roomers/boarders (§ 440-201) |
| State Registry | - | Required (MGL c. 64G, § 67) |
| Enforcement | - | Board of Health + Zoning Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Taunton FAQ
Does Taunton cap how many guests can stay in a short-term rental?
Taunton has not adopted a numeric STR guest cap. Occupancy is set by the State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.400, which requires 70 sq ft of sleeping area for the first occupant and 50 sq ft per additional occupant, plus building-code limits.
Can I rent out my ADU on Airbnb in Taunton?
No. Taunton Zoning Ordinance § 440-710(A) explicitly states the accessory dwelling unit shall not be utilized as a short-term rental.
Do I need to register a Taunton STR with Massachusetts?
Yes. MGL c. 64G, § 67 requires every operator to register with the Department of Revenue Short-Term Rental Registry and obtain a Certificate of Registration before the first rental.
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