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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Newburyport, MA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRUs are defined as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days and are allowed only under specific eligibility rules (owner-operator must be the owner and typically primary residence for ≥183 days/year or meet PIOD/investor provisions). Maximum of 3 bedrooms and 6 guests; operator may register only one STRU except within the Plum Island Overlay District; units must comply with Building, Fire, and Sanitary codes and post emergency exit diagrams, local contact, waste disposal instructions, and STRU license in-unit. Certain units (below-market-rate, in-law units, Smart Growth Overlay, some condominiums) are ineligible; investor units require state registry proof and some investor/investor-on-Plum Island cases require special permits.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm eligibility and review the Short-Term Rental Unit Guide and applicable Zoning Ordinance (see Section V.G); 2) Submit the Short-Term Rental Unit License Application online via the City’s permitting portal, pay the $250 STRU license/registration fee and upload required documents (proof of primary residence, liability insurance, floor plans, condo affidavit if applicable, state lodging registration proof for investor units); 3) Schedule and pass required Building/Health/Fire inspections; upon satisfactory inspections the Licensing Commission issues a STRU License/Registration (typically valid one year).

Official Resources

Official Newburyport STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Newburyport, MA?
STRUs are defined as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days and are allowed only under specific eligibility rules (owner-operator must be the owner and typically primary residence for ≥183 days/year or meet PIOD/investor provisions). Maximum of 3 bedrooms and 6 guests; operator may register only one STRU except within the Plum Island Overlay District; units must comply with Building, Fire, and Sanitary codes and post emergency exit diagrams, local contact, waste disposal instructions, and STRU license in-unit. Certain units (below-market-rate, in-law units, Smart Growth Overlay, some condominiums) are ineligible; investor units require state registry proof and some investor/investor-on-Plum Island cases require special permits.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Newburyport?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Newburyport. 1) Confirm eligibility and review the Short-Term Rental Unit Guide and applicable Zoning Ordinance (see Section V.G); 2) Submit the Short-Term Rental Unit License Application online via the City’s permitting portal, pay the $250 STRU license/registration fee and upload required documents (proof of primary residence, liability insurance, floor plans, condo affidavit if applicable, state lodging registration proof for investor units); 3) Schedule and pass required Building/Health/Fire inspections; upon satisfactory inspections the Licensing Commission issues a STRU License/Registration (typically valid one year).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Newburyport?
1) Confirm eligibility and review the Short-Term Rental Unit Guide and applicable Zoning Ordinance (see Section V.G); 2) Submit the Short-Term Rental Unit License Application online via the City’s permitting portal, pay the $250 STRU license/registration fee and upload required documents (proof of primary residence, liability insurance, floor plans, condo affidavit if applicable, state lodging registration proof for investor units); 3) Schedule and pass required Building/Health/Fire inspections; upon satisfactory inspections the Licensing Commission issues a STRU License/Registration (typically valid one year).
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction