Barnstable, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 59 § 59-2
Definitions (Barnstable Comprehensive Occupancy)
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: BEDROOM A room providing privacy, intended primarily for sleeping and consisting of all of the following: (a) floor space of no less than 70 square feet; (b) a ceiling height of no less than seven feet; (c) an electrical service and ventilation; and (d) at least one window large enough to provide emergency egress. Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, halls, bathrooms, unfinished cellars and unheated storage areas over garages are not considered bedrooms. [Amended 10-19-2006 by Order No. 2007-033 ] OCCUPANT Any person who has attained the age of 18 who has resided in a residential dwelling for any length of time. [Amended 1-17-2013 by Order No. 2013-033 ] RESIDENTIAL DWELLING A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
Section 59-2 of Barnstable's Code of Bylaws Chapter 59 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the rest of the chapter. A 'bedroom' must meet specific physical standards—at least 70 square feet of floor space, a ceiling height of at least seven feet, electrical service, ventilation, and a window large enough for emergency egress; common spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and unfinished cellars do not qualify. An 'occupant' is any person 18 or older who has lived in a residential dwelling for any period of time, and a 'residential dwelling' is a self-contained unit with facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Barnstable Code Chapter 59 should ensure that any space marketed or counted as a bedroom under § 59-2 meets all four physical criteria: minimum 70 square feet, seven-foot ceiling height, electrical service with ventilation, and an egress-capable window. Rooms that fall short of these standards—such as converted dining rooms, unfinished basement spaces, or storage areas above garages—cannot lawfully be represented as bedrooms under this chapter. Accurate classification of rooms and occupants as defined in § 59-2 is a baseline compliance consideration when renting residential dwellings in Barnstable.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Barnstable Code § 59-2, tenants have a defined standard against which to evaluate whether a room they are renting or occupying as a bedroom actually qualifies as one—it must have adequate square footage, ceiling height, electrical service, ventilation, and an emergency egress window. If a space labeled a bedroom in a lease does not meet these criteria, that discrepancy may be relevant to housing complaints or code enforcement inquiries with the Town of Barnstable. Tenants who believe a room has been misclassified under § 59-2 may consider reaching out to local housing or building officials, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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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