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.
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. The Lodging House Regulations adopt the MGL c.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. For an owner-occupant rental treated as an Accessory Use under Zoning Section 181.3213, 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. Operators are also subject to MGL c.64G state STR registration with the MA Department of Revenue and the $1M MGL c.175 §4F insurance mandate. Confirm exact off-street counts with the Fitchburg Building Commissioner / Zoning office at 978-829-1850.
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.
Fitchburg, MA
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Fitchburg, MA
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Fitchburg, MA
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Fitchburg, MA
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Fitchburg, MA
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