Barnstable, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 506 § 506-2
Cooking facilities (Barnstable Lodging, Bed-And-Breakfast, and Guesthouse Licenses)
Operative Text
A. A lodging house where lodgings are let to more than five but fewer than 20 persons may furnish individual cooking facilities for the preparation, serving, eating and storage of food, provided that no such facility shall be furnished in a room having an area of less than 150 square feet. Such facilities shall, in a single room, consist of a gas or electric plate, a refrigerator and a storage area for food. Any facilities furnished under this section shall comply with the Building Code and the Town of Barnstable Zoning Regulations. [1] [1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 240 , Zoning.
Barnstable, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 506 § 506-2 governs when and how cooking facilities may be provided in lodging houses that rent to more than five but fewer than 20 people. Under this rule, individual cooking setups — consisting of a gas or electric plate, a refrigerator, and a food storage area — may be installed in single rooms, but only if the room is at least 150 square feet. Any such facilities must also meet the Town's Building Code and Zoning Regulations referenced in Chapter 240.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of lodging houses covered by CH. 506 § 506-2 who wish to offer individual cooking facilities generally ensure that each equipped room meets the 150-square-foot minimum before installing any appliances. A compliant setup in a single room typically includes a gas or electric plate, a refrigerator, and a dedicated food storage area — no more, no less than what the provision describes. Operators also confirm that all installations satisfy the Barnstable Building Code and the Zoning Regulations found in Chapter 240 before making facilities available to lodgers.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Lodgers in Barnstable lodging houses have an interest in knowing that CH. 506 § 506-2 sets baseline standards for any cooking facilities provided in their rooms, including a room-size floor of 150 square feet and required appliance components. If a room appears to fall short of these standards — for example, if the space is undersized or the required appliances are missing — tenants can document the conditions and raise the issue with local housing or building authorities in Barnstable. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Massachusetts lodging-house law can help clarify what options are generally available when a provision like this may not be met.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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