WHAT CAN YOU DO

1. Learn about the existing Nantucket STR bylaws and regulations and share with your neighbors and service providers. These Short Term Rental Regulations went into effect on 1 January 2023.  Those affected need to know what those regulations mean to them and their homes and businesses.  
2. The Nantucket STR Registry portal launched in March 2024.  See our detailed FAQs and the Town's STR Registry Portal for more information.  
3. As a result of the passage of the STR General Bylaw (Chapter 123), the Board of Health and Select Board were empowered to enact STR regulations which govern how the STR registry to operate and be enforced along with its fees and penalties.  These regulations can be found in Chapter 338 of the town code.
4. These regulations provide a Hotline (508) 315-6372 to report any noise, safety, outdoor lighting or parking violations at a Short Term Rental home.  Reported incidents will be routed to the appropriate enforcement organization to be vetted and if a violation is confirmed, hearings, fines and possible loss of STR certificate for up to 3 years is possible.

Regardless of the outcome of the STM vote on proposed STR Articles, the initial implementation will seek to begin (11/1/2024) enforcement of the existing STR registration and regulation process that was approved at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting.  ATM Article 60 (disallowing corporate owned STRs) which was also approved at the 2024 ATM is currently under review by the State Attorney General and is not yet in the town code.

The recent ruling by the Land Court Judge and the decision of the town not to appeal the judgment puts the decision on the future of traditional vacation rentals in the hands of the Zoning Board of Appeals and voters on September 17.

Nantucket's economy is intentionally based on tourism and vacation rentals to house our visiting families.  The 900 hotel/B&B bedrooms do not support a viable tourist economy, nor do they provide a home-like venue to gather, cook and eat together.

The types and operating models of vacation rentals runs the gamut from full family compound with multiple dwellings to unheated seasonal cottages and everything in between.  Until the Nantucket STR Registry is populated with local information, the impact of the ruling is unknown and defies accurate prediction.  And there are other similar lawsuits that have yet to be decided in court.

You can choose to protect yourself and your livelihood (are any jobs on Nantucket disassociated with the seasonal tourist industry?).  Regardless of what STR regulations are proposed, a Yes Vote on proposed articles that provide zoning protection for STRs is essential.

If you have felt powerless in the past, and you are weary of the debate, this is your chance to make a difference with your vote at STM and we can all move on.

1. If you currently or plan to operate an STR  you must register by 1 November of the year prior to operation.  Since the registry was not live before the due date for 2024, registry requirements are unclear for this season but the town has indicated 2024 will be a transition and ramp-up year without enforcement except for egregious violations of existing STR regulations
2. STR owners registered with the MA STR Registry will be contacted by mail with information on when and how to register their STR with the town in 2024. 
3. Take the time to read the requirements and make sure you have posted required information for your guests in a folder in your home, posted exit signs in all bedrooms, provided information about the location of fire extinguishers and local contact information for issues or concerns.  Your rental listing must contain both your MA and Nantucket STR certificate numbers.

We will do our best to keep our FAQs page updated with the latest information about the STR registry launch and when the online live link is available, it will be posted below.