Worcester County, MA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

STR occupancy limits in Worcester County combine state habitability standards with local zoning rules. MGL c. 64G (as amended by Ch. 337 Acts of 2018) requires state registration, tax collection, and insurance but does not set occupancy caps. The State Sanitary Code Chapter II (105 CMR 410.400) sets baseline habitability: minimum 150 sq ft floor area for first occupant and 100 sq ft for each additional, plus minimum 70 sq ft per bedroom for one occupant and 50 sq ft per additional. Local Worcester County STR bylaws typically adopt a more intuitive '2 per bedroom + 2' formula (e.g., 3-bedroom home caps at 8 occupants). Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 9 Article V (Short-Term Rentals) requires registration and compliance with occupancy limits. Many Worcester County tourist areas near Wachusett Mountain (Princeton, Westminster, Sterling) and along Route 2 / Johnny Appleseed Trail have adopted STR bylaws. State law requires operators: (1) register with DOR STR Registry ($50 fee); (2) maintain $1M liability insurance per stay; (3) provide floor plan with smoke/CO detectors per MGL c. 148, §26F; (4) collect state 5.7% excise plus local option tax up to 6%. Sleeping in tents, RVs, garages, or outbuildings on STR property is generally prohibited. Violating occupancy can result in loss of DOR registration and local permit.