Newburyport, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 9, art. XI (2026) § 9-309
Enforcement
Operative Text
(a) Enforcement by the city. The provisions of this section may be enforced in accordance with the noncriminal disposition process of M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21D, and if applicable, by seeking to restrain a violation by injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction. (b) Enforcement by booking agent. The city may enter into agreements with booking agents for assistance in enforcing this article, including, but not limited to, covenants whereby the booking agent shall agree: (1) to remove a listing from its platform if such listing exceeds the maximum number of days that an STRU may be offered under the provisions of this article; (2) to remove a listing from its platform that is deemed ineligible for use as an STRU under the provisions of this article; and (3) to prohibit an operator from listing any STRU in the city without having first obtained a valid registration number from the licensing board.
Section 9-309 of the Newburyport Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Article XI, establishes two parallel enforcement tracks for short-term rental regulations. The city may pursue violations through Massachusetts's noncriminal disposition process under M.G.L.A. c. 40, § 21D, or seek a court injunction to stop ongoing violations. Additionally, the city is authorized to partner with booking platforms—such as online rental marketplaces—to help enforce the rules by removing noncompliant listings or blocking unregistered operators from listing properties within city limits.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of short-term rental units (STRUs) in Newburyport should be aware that § 9-309 gives the city meaningful tools to act against noncompliant listings without necessarily pursuing criminal charges. Compliant operators generally maintain a valid registration number issued by the licensing board, keep their rental activity within the maximum permitted number of days, and ensure their unit qualifies as an eligible STRU under the article. Because the city may coordinate directly with booking platforms to remove listings or block unregistered operators, maintaining current registration and compliance with day-limit rules is central to uninterrupted operation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 9-309 of the Newburyport Code of Ordinances, ch. 9, art. XI, tenants and neighbors have the benefit of a city enforcement framework that can act against short-term rental operators who exceed permitted rental days, list ineligible units, or operate without a valid registration number. Concerns about a potentially noncompliant STRU in the area can generally be raised with the city, which holds authority to pursue noncriminal penalties or seek injunctive relief in court. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing advocates can help individuals understand how this enforcement process works and what options may be available when a violation is suspected.
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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