🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Pittsfield, MA

A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.

Short-Term Rentals Face New Rules in Pittsfield

The city of Pittsfield is moving forward with plans to regulate short-term rentals, aiming to bring clarity, control, and accountability to a sector that has long operated in a gray area.

The city’s Ordinances and Rules Committee backed a zoning amendment that introduces new physical, operational, and licensing requirements for STRs. One notable change included in the amendment is a nine-month grace period—giving current operators a bit more time to fall in line with the new rules.

According to City Planner Kevin Rayner, the zoning amendment is designed to outline what STRs are, where they’re allowed, and what physical conditions they must meet. For instance, income-restricted units are off-limits for STR use, and any property with outstanding fines is ineligible to operate as a rental.

A key feature of the plan is a multi-step licensing process. It starts with a zoning site plan review and moves through the City Clerk’s office before heading to the Licensing Board for final approval. This process mirrors the one used for bed-and-breakfasts and lodging houses and includes an annual renewal requirement.

Rayner emphasized that the zoning changes handle the “physical side” of things—like parking, occupancy, and rental duration—while the code changes tackle operations, licensing, and enforcement. Enforcement will be a group effort, involving the police, fire, building, and health departments, all feeding their findings into the Licensing Board. That board will have the authority to suspend or revoke STR licenses based on complaints or violations.

There’s also a new strategy for identifying and investigating unlicensed STRs. Because these properties often blend into residential neighborhoods, the city will consider online listings and complaints from neighbors as valid evidence of STR activity. This new "evidence section" aims to support enforcement officers in spotting unregistered operations that could be flying under the radar.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Resident Sheila Kerber raised concerns about requiring STRs to meet strict safety and code standards that may not be consistently enforced across traditional rentals. Council President Peter White acknowledged that inspections aren’t always as regular as they should be but noted that all rental units are subject to the same basic requirements.

For areas like Onota and Pontoosuc Lakes—where STRs are especially common—the rules could bring needed relief to full-time residents. As Councilor Rhonda Serre noted, “short-term rentals are really difficult in some of our neighborhoods.”

STRisker Calendar Tracker

Staying ahead of STR regulations isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about knowing what’s coming. Our Calendar Tracker keeps you informed on upcoming meetings, key votes, and policy changes, so you never miss a critical update.

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