From the Friday, December 27, 2019 Newton City Council Newsletter:
Short Term Rental Ordinance effective January 2, 2020
Starting January 2, 2020, all short-term rental properties in the City of Newton must be in compliance with the requirements set forth in Chapter 20, Article IX and Chapter 30, Section 6.7.5 of the City Ordinances.
REGISTRATION
Residents seeking to operate a short-term rental in Newton must register with the Inspectional Services Department prior to the occupancy of any rental property that commences after January 1, 2020.
Registration form and associated documents must be submitted in person to the Inspectional Services Department Office. Office Hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. No documents will be accepted by mail or email.
Registration Form available HERE.
Annual Certification Form available HERE.
Registration Certificate may take 10-14 business days to be issued.
More information is available at Newton, MA – Short Term Rental Information
If you would like additional information on any of the items listed in this newsletter, please let us know.
Sincerely,
David Olson
City Clerk [email protected]
Readers of Mayor Fuller’s fall newsletter may recall these ordinances were enacted last fall with the effective date deferred to allow time for property owners seeking lawful short-term rentals to register with the City. The purpose was to create a framework designed to balance opportunities for rental income with protection for neighboring properties. (Case law elsewhere had indicated short-term rentals were not available as of right in residential zones.) Short-term rental operators should read the ordinances carefully as the summaries are helpful but not as complete as the ordinances themselves. For example, failure to register is a violation and can result in enforcement. Also, to aid enforcement, the Article IX ordinance requires that the short-term rental operator “clearly display the Newton Registration number in all advertisements or notices of the short term rental, including online advertisements.” Also, under Section 3.4.1 and 6.4.5 of the Zoning Ordinance, short-term rentals of from 3-5 bedrooms are classified as a commercial bed and breakfast and will require a zoning special permit under the Newton City Council in addition to Newton registration. (Six or more bedrooms are classified as a hotel use and not allowed in residential zones.) Further questions can be directed to the Newton Inspectional Services Department which is administering the ordinances.
Correction: 4-5 bedrooms are in the special permit category.
Thank you Councilor Baker for your additional explanations.
Thanks, @Lisle. It all sounds well thought through.
Interesting idea, that way the laws that are being passed everywhere no longer apply to you.