Plymouth County, MA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- STR noise rule
- Town bylaw applies
- Governing law
- MGL c.40 §21(22)
- License risk
- Revocation for repeat noise
- Enforcement
- Local police
Summary
Short-term rental guests follow the same town noise bylaw as residents, authorized by MGL c.40 §21(22). Towns running STR programs, like Plymouth and Scituate, attach noise conditions and can pull a host's local registration for repeat complaints.
For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
Full Breakdown
No STR-specific county noise rule exists in Plymouth County. Guests answer to the host town noise bylaw under MGL c.40 §21(22) and to disturbing-the-peace law, MGL c.272 §53. Coastal towns that license rentals, including Plymouth, Marshfield, and Scituate, write quiet-hour and no-party conditions into the local registration, so a noisy rental risks losing its license, not just a fine. Hosts name a local contact who must respond to complaints. Police handle the disturbance itself the same way they would for any home.
Violations & Fines
Guest noise draws a bylaw fine up to $300 under MGL c.40 §21 and disturbing-the-peace charges under MGL c.272 §53. Repeat complaints can cost the host the town STR license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there special noise rules for rentals?
Can a noisy rental lose its permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts short-term rentals overview
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