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Resident asks how Marlborough will police short‑term rentals under proposed ADU law
Summary
At the Dec. 8 hearing, resident Maribeth King asked how the town would detect and enforce a prohibition on short‑term rentals in newly allowed ADUs; Supervisor Corcoran said the Building Department tracks rentals and issues violations and that Board of Health approval would be required for properties with on‑site waste disposal.
During public comment at the Dec. 8 hearing on the proposed ADU local law, resident Maribeth King asked, "if the property isn’t intended for Airbnb or short‑term rentals, how will the town determine whether someone is using it that way?" The question targeted enforcement of a restriction in the draft that would bar ADUs from operating as bed‑and‑breakfasts or short‑term rental units.
Supervisor Corcoran responded that the town’s Building Department monitors short‑term rental activity and issues violations when rules are broken: "The Building Department tracks those types of rentals and issues violations." He also said that properties relying on private waste disposal systems would need Board of Health approval to qualify under the ADU rule, signaling an additional permitting step for septic systems.
The exchange prompted no immediate change to the draft law in the hearing transcript, but it highlighted a practical enforcement issue the board may need to clarify in adopting regulations or administrative procedures if the local law proceeds.
