Fitchburg, MA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Local STR Code
- Lodging House Regs (June 6, 2022)
- Zoning Reference
- Ch. 181, Art. IV - Parking
- Accessory Use Section
- Sec. 181.3213
- Owner-Occupant Add'l Parking
- +1 space above principal dwelling
- State STR Statute
- MGL c.64G
- Confirm With
- Building/Zoning 978-829-1850
Summary
Fitchburg has not adopted a numeric STR-specific parking ratio. Short-term rentals must satisfy the residential off-street parking standards in Chapter 181 (Zoning), Article IV - Parking, and any owner-occupant accessory rental must add at least one parking space above the principal-dwelling requirement per the Lodging House Regulations approved June 6, 2022.
No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit, unreasonably restrict or require a special permit or other discretionary zoning approval for the use of land or structures for a single accessory dwelling unit, or the rental thereof, in a single-family residential zoning district; provided, that the use of land or structures for such accessory dwelling unit under this paragraph may be subject to reasonable regulations, including, but not limited to, 310 CMR 15.000 et seq., if applicable, site plan review, regulations concerning dimensional setbacks and the bulk and height of structures and may be subject to restrictions and prohibitions on short-term rental, as defined in section 1 of chapter 64G. The use of land or structures for an accessory dwelling unit under this paragraph shall not requi
Full Breakdown
Fitchburg regulates short-term rentals primarily through the City's Lodging House Regulations (approved June 6, 2022 by the License Commission under Code Chapter 120) and Zoning Chapter 181. 64G definition of a short-term rental: a dwelling or portion thereof rented to occupants through advanced reservations for not more than 31 consecutive days. An owner-occupied residence rented for 14 consecutive days or less once per year while the owners are away is not considered a short-term rental. Fitchburg has no separately codified STR parking ratio. Off-street parking requirements are set in Chapter 181, Article IV (Parking) and apply by use type.
3213, Fitchburg's parking practice requires sufficient and appropriate space for at least one additional parking space above the number required for the principal dwelling, and if it cannot be accommodated within the existing parking area it must be constructed by the owner. On-street parking must comply with traffic ordinances enforced by the Parking Clerk. 175 §4F insurance mandate. Confirm exact off-street counts with the Fitchburg Building Commissioner / Zoning office at 978-829-1850.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide required off-street parking can trigger zoning enforcement under Chapter 181 and denial or revocation of any required lodging or accessory-use approval. On-street parking violations are issued by the Fitchburg Parking Clerk under the City's traffic ordinances. Lodging-house penalties under Section 41 of the regulations cap fines at $300 per violation plus MGL c.140 §22 penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many parking spaces does a Fitchburg short-term rental need?
Can my STR guests park on the street in Fitchburg?
Sources & Official References
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Short-Term Rental Parking Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle short-term rental parking rules.