Sandwich, Mass., Gen. Bylaws ch. 12 (2025) § 12.02
Purpose
Operative Text
This bylaw is enacted pursuant to the Town’s Home Rule Authority and the authority set forth
in General Laws c. 64G, § 14, to provide for the orderly operation of short-term rentals for
residential properties that balance private, neighborhood and public interests, and will:
1) Protect and maintain the residential character of existing neighborhoods.
2) Protect public health and safety.
3) Enable residents to better afford to live here, maintain their properties and contribute
to the community.
4) Ensure the continued revenues to the Town from the short-term rental excise tax.Sandwich, Mass., Gen. Bylaws ch. 12 § 12.02 establishes the overarching purpose of the town's short-term rental framework, enacted under Home Rule Authority and state law. The bylaw aims to balance private property interests with neighborhood character, public health and safety, housing affordability, and the town's excise tax revenues from short-term rentals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 12.02, the bylaw signals that short-term rental operations in Sandwich are expected to remain compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods and comply with health and safety standards. Operators who understand this stated purpose are better positioned to anticipate how other provisions in ch. 12 will be interpreted and applied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12.02 makes clear that the bylaw is partly intended to help residents afford to live in Sandwich and maintain their properties, reflecting a recognition of community housing interests. Tenants who believe short-term rental activity in their neighborhood conflicts with these stated goals may raise concerns with town officials or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Massachusetts housing law.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.