Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Aquinnah, MA

Aquinnah zoning bylaws require accessory apartments and many rental units to be owner-occupied and/or rented only to year-round domiciliaries of Martha’s Vineyard; certain one- and two-family rental dwellings require a Planning Board Plan Review Committee Special Permit and may be permanently restricted to year-round residents (affordable housing restrictions, occupancy limitations, and annual reporting). The Town also directs hosts to register for the Massachusetts room-occupancy (short-term rental) excise tax.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Aquinnah. 1) Apply for a Special Permit with the Planning Board Plan Review Committee (Zoning Administrator/Planning Board as permitting authority) where required; obtain Board of Health approval for accessory apartments when specified. 2) Prior to issuance of occupancy permit, file required affidavits with the Zoning Administrator attesting to occupancy restrictions; submit annual lessee lists, leases, and ID documentation on or before Jan 31 for regulated rental apartments. 3) Register for the Massachusetts Room Occupancy Excise Tax via Mass.gov (state registration link provided by the Town). Fees and inspection requirements are only those explicitly stated in the zoning text or state tax registration.

1) Apply for a Special Permit with the Planning Board Plan Review Committee (Zoning Administrator/Planning Board as permitting authority) where required; obtain Board of Health approval for accessory apartments when specified. 2) Prior to issuance of occupancy permit, file required affidavits with the Zoning Administrator attesting to occupancy restrictions; submit annual lessee lists, leases, and ID documentation on or before Jan 31 for regulated rental apartments. 3) Register for the Massachusetts Room Occupancy Excise Tax via Mass.gov (state registration link provided by the Town). Fees and inspection requirements are only those explicitly stated in the zoning text or state tax registration.