Boston STR occupancy is capped at two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults per unit under building code, and fire code Means of Egress Ch. 10 governs maximum assembly counts.
Boston STR registrations specify a maximum occupancy based on the unit's legal bedroom count, and the Inspectional Services Department applies a two-adults-per-bedroom plus two standard consistent with Massachusetts State Sanitary Code Ch. II (105 CMR 410). A two-bedroom unit typically tops out at six adults. Egress capacity under 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code) and NFPA 101 also caps occupant load. Children under 12 generally do not count. Hosts must post the maximum occupancy, and exceeding it is a ground for registration revocation and fines. Party houses are explicitly banned.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle occupancy limits.
See how Boston's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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