Note: Only the content you provided is used below. No additional web sources were fetched. Where the town has not provided a specific document, this guide points to the controlling state-level framework that applies in Massachusetts.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cohasset?

• Yes. Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 64G governs short‑term rentals (STRs) statewide and authorizes operation subject to state requirements and any applicable local rules. There is no town‑wide STR ban in the Cohasset documents provided.
• Cohasset’s zoning does prohibit STRs in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Specifically, the Town’s zoning amendments adopted for ADUs state that “No ADU shall be used as a short‑term rental as such term is defined by G.L. c. 64G.” This prohibition applies to both standard ADUs and ADU‑Large units. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1 and 4.3.B.1.1; see source link 2 at end.

Actionable implication:

• STRs may be operated in principal single‑family dwellings, condominiums, and multi‑family structures where zoning and use rules otherwise allow residential use.
• STRs are not permitted in Cohasset when the dwelling is an ADU or ADU‑Large under the Town’s zoning.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Cohasset

1. Confirm Use Compliance

• Confirm that the subject property is a lawful single‑family detached dwelling, condo, or multifamily unit in an allowable residential district. Avoid using an ADU or ADU‑Large for STR use in Cohasset (prohibited). PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(n) and 4.3.B.1.1(l); see source link 2.

2. Obtain State STR Registration

• Register each STR unit with the Massachusetts short‑term rental program and receive a STR registration number. Post the registration number on all listings and share it with booking platforms. This is mandated by M.G.L. c. 64G. The Town did not provide a registration portal, so this step is state‑level.

3. Insurance and Safety

• Maintain appropriate property and liability insurance for hosting.
• Provide functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as required by state law and the State Building Code.

4. Taxes and Remittances

• Collect and remit the state rooms excise and applicable local taxes in accordance with M.G.L. c. 64G and local room tax requirements. Consult the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (MassDOR) for current rates, filing, and local tax participation.

5. Operations and Compliance

• Prepare clear house rules and check‑in/out procedures that meet M.G.L. c. 64G compliance obligations for tenants and safety.
• Maintain records and be responsive to any state or local inspection or compliance inquiries.

Optional (if applicable)

• If you are considering an ADU for long‑term rental, understand that Cohasset allows ADUs and ADUs‑Large only by special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals, with owner‑occupancy, dimensional, parking, and other requirements detailed below; however, both ADU types are prohibited from STR use. PB‑6; see source link 2.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State‑level (Massachusetts)

• STR Registration Number: Required under M.G.L. c. 64G; must be displayed on listings and provided to platforms.
• Property/Liability Insurance: Maintain coverage appropriate for a short‑term rental operation.
• Rooms Excise and Local Room Tax Registration: Register and file returns through MassDOR; collect and remit applicable taxes.

Local (Cohasset)

• Zoning Use Compliance: Confirm principal dwelling use is allowed and not an ADU/ADU‑Large if you plan STR operations. PB‑6; see source link 2.
• Building/Fire/Health Compliance: Meet all applicable requirements under the State Building Code and local health regulations. The Town has a draft Rental Inspections Program (see link 1) indicating a program may be initiated to inspect rental units. Keep records and be prepared for inspections once finalized. Source link 1 at end.
• Special Permit (if applicable): If your project involves an ADU (for long‑term rental, not STR), a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) special permit is required; see ADU section below. PB‑6; see source link 2.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals

Cohasset (Town‑level)

• ADU STR Prohibition: Cohasset expressly prohibits using ADUs and ADUs‑Large for short‑term rentals. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(n) and 4.3.B.1.1(l).
• Potential Rental Inspections: The Town has published a Draft Rental Inspections Program that could apply to rentals, including potentially STRs if the program covers them. The document is draft and may change; see source link 1 at end.

Massachusetts (State‑level)

• Registration Requirement: Hosts must register each STR unit with the Commonwealth and obtain a registration number. M.G.L. c. 64G.
• Tax Collection and Remittance: Hosts must collect and remit state rooms excise and any local room taxes. M.G.L. c. 64G.
• Local Authority Retained: Municipalities retain authority over zoning, building, health, fire, and public safety matters and may regulate STRs in those areas, even if the state framework governs registration and tax collection.

County

• No county‑level STR documents were provided.

Cohasset Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — What Cohasset Allows (Non‑STR)

Note: Cohasset’s ADU rules permit long‑term rental of ADUs by special permit, but ADUs cannot be used as STRs.

Eligibility (ADU)

• Principal dwelling must be single‑family detached, in a single‑family residential district; ADU inside the dwelling or in an accessory building on the same lot. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1.
• Owner‑occupancy: The owner must live in either the principal dwelling or the ADU as primary residence (temporary absences permitted). PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(a).
• One ADU per lot; no lot with multiple principal dwellings. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(b)–(c).
• Principal dwelling minimum size and age: Net floor area at least 1,200 square feet and dwelling at least 10 years old at application. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(d).
• Dimensional and architectural compliance: Exterior alterations must maintain single‑family appearance; comply with district dimensional requirements or obtain relief. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(e)–(g).
• Nonconforming structures: No changes that increase an existing nonconformity or create a new one. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(h).
• Size limits: Inside principal dwelling: up to 25% of principal net floor area or 900 sq ft, whichever is less; in accessory building: up to 900 sq ft. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(i).
• Utilities and health: Adequate water supply and sewage/disposal per Board of Public Health. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(j).
• Parking: One additional off‑street space per bedroom, except no extra space if within 0.5 miles of commuter rail/subway/ferry/bus station. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(k).
• Screening: The ZBA may require screening for new parking/storage areas. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(l).
• ZBA findings and caps: ZBA must find no greater detriment; maximum 10 ADU special permits per calendar year; and ADUs in effect cannot exceed 10% of single‑family detached dwellings in Town. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(m)–(n).
• STR prohibition: No ADU shall be used as a short‑term rental. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1(n).

Accessory Dwelling Unit – Large (ADU‑L)

• Similar framework with principal dwelling net floor area minimum 1,250 sq ft and at least 10 years old. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1.1(d).
• Size cap: Up to 1,250 sq ft. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1.1.
• Owner‑occupancy, one per lot, dimensional/architectural compliance, utilities, and ZBA findings apply. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1.1(a)–(k).
• Parking: At least one off‑street space for the ADU‑L. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1.1(i).
• STR prohibition: No ADU‑L shall be used as a short‑term rental. PB‑6, Article 4.3.B.1.1(l).

Contact Information (Cohasset)

Use these contacts for questions about zoning, permitting, ADUs, and potential rental inspections. The Town did not provide a direct STR program contact or email.

• Cohasset Town Hall

  • Address: 41 Highland Avenue, Cohasset, MA 02025
  • Phone: (781) 383‑4100
  • Website: www.cohassetma.gov

• Zoning Board of Appeals (Special Permits for ADUs)

  • Address: 41 Highland Avenue, Cohasset, MA 02025
  • Phone: (781) 383‑4100
  • Website: www.cohassetma.gov

• Building Department

  • Address: 41 Highland Avenue, Cohasset, MA 02025
  • Phone: (781) 383‑4100
  • Website: www.cohassetma.gov

• Board of Health

  • Address: 41 Highland Avenue, Cohasset, MA 02025
  • Phone: (781) 383‑4100
  • Website: www.cohassetma.gov

Massachusetts STR registration and tax guidance (state‑level reference)

• Massachusetts Department of Revenue (MassDOR)
  • Website: www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue

Links to Source Pages

• 1. Draft Rental Inspections Program (Cohasset): www.cohassetma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12303/2-Draft-Rental-Inspections-ProgramPDF
• 2. PB‑6 — Amendments to Article 4.3 Accessory Use Regulations and Article 2 Definitions (ADU rules; STR prohibition in ADUs): www.cohassetma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12606/PB-6--Amendments-to-Article-43-Accessory-Use-Regulations-and-Article-2-Definitions-10-17-2024

Practical Checklist for Cohasset Investors

• Do: Confirm your property is a lawful single‑family, condo, or multifamily dwelling; avoid ADUs/ADUs‑Large for STRs in Cohasset.
• Do: Register with the state under M.G.L. c. 64G and obtain your STR registration number.
• Do: Implement smoke/CO safety measures, appropriate insurance, and clear operational policies.
• Do: Collect and remit state rooms excise and any applicable local taxes via MassDOR.
• Do: Monitor Cohasset’s adoption of the Rental Inspections Program and comply once finalized.
• Consider (long‑term rental strategy): If you pursue an ADU (for long‑term tenancy), apply to the ZBA for a special permit and ensure compliance with owner‑occupancy, size, parking, and other requirements.
• Avoid: Operating an STR in an ADU or ADU‑Large in Cohasset (prohibited).