Chelsea, MA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- STR-Specific Parking Min
- Not specified on STR Application
- Underlying Dwelling Parking
- Per Chapter 34 zoning district
- On-Street Resident Stickers
- Article 13 / Section 13-4.2
- Guest Parking
- Off-street, paid lots, or unrestricted streets
- STR Registration Fine
- $300/violation/day
- ISD Contact
- 617-466-4142
Summary
Chelsea's Short-Term Rental Application and Chapter 34 Zoning Ordinance do not impose a separate, additional off-street parking minimum on short-term rentals beyond the off-street parking already required for the underlying residential dwelling. Because Chelsea is a dense urban city with a citywide residential parking sticker program, STR guests generally cannot use on-street resident-only spaces.
cidental purpose of operating a child care facility; provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements. As used in this paragraph, the term ''child care facility'' shall mean a child care center or a school-aged child care program, as defined in section 1A of chapter 15D. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, local land use and health and safety laws, regulations, practices, ordinances, by-laws and decisions of a city or town shall not discriminate against a disabled person.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Chelsea's Short-Term Rental program (administered by Inspectional Services, 617-466-4142) limits rentals to Limited-Share Units (operator present) and Owner-Adjacent Units in owner-occupied 1-3 family homes or condos. The city's STR Application requires a floor plan and emergency information but does not, in the published application text, set a separate per-bedroom or per-guest off-street parking minimum on top of the parking required for the underlying residential dwelling under Chapter 34 (Zoning). Off-street residential parking minimums for the host dwelling itself are established district-by-district in Chapter 34. 2, which restricts on-street parking in many areas to vehicles displaying a Chelsea resident sticker.
Because resident stickers are tied to Chelsea residency and vehicle registration, short-term guests typically cannot legally park on resident-restricted streets and must use the host's off-street parking, paid lots, or unrestricted public spaces. Confirm exact off-street parking minimums for your zoning district with Permitting and Land Use Planning before listing.
Violations & Fines
Operating an STR without registering with ISD subjects the operator to a $300 fine per violation per day. Guest vehicles parked in resident-sticker zones without a valid permit are subject to ticketing and towing under Article 13 / Section 13-4.2 of the Chelsea Code. Confirm specific off-street parking minimums for your zoning district with Chelsea Permitting and Land Use Planning at 617-466-4180.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many off-street parking spaces does Chelsea require for a short-term rental?
Can my Airbnb guests park on the street in Chelsea?
Who do I call about Chelsea STR parking questions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chelsea
Compare Chelsea to another location·View the Massachusetts short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle short-term rental parking rules.