Massachusetts does not impose a statewide cap on STR nights, but Lowell may limit non-owner-occupied rentals through zoning, and the state law defines STRs as stays of 31 nights or less.
Unlike Boston and Cambridge, which impose strict night caps and owner-occupancy requirements, Lowell does not currently cap the number of nights a short-term rental can operate per year by blanket ordinance. However, state law defines short-term rentals as rentals of 31 consecutive days or less; any stay of 32+ nights falls outside STR regulation and room occupancy excise. Lowell zoning may effectively limit operation by requiring a special permit for non-owner-occupied STRs in residential districts, and the Zoning Board of Appeals may condition such permits with night or occupancy limits. Operators should monitor the Lowell City Council agenda for any proposed STR regulation, as Massachusetts municipalities have increasingly adopted caps and registration schemes. Any future local cap would layer on top of state registration and taxation obligations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle night caps.
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