Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ipswich, MA?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently allowed in Ipswich, MA. The Town of Ipswich has implemented a new mandatory safety inspection requirement effective July 1, 2025 that applies to all STRs, including Airbnb-style rentals for stays not longer than 30 days. Investors must obtain a Certificate of Inspection from the Building Department before or at the time of operation. Additionally, Massachusetts’ Affordable Homes Act (2025) now permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) up to 900 square feet by-right in single-family districts statewide. While ADUs are permissible, municipalities—including Ipswich—may impose additional restrictions, including whether ADUs may be used as STRs. Ipswich is currently updating its local bylaws to align with state law; local rules may change following future town meetings and could affect ADU use as STRs.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ipswich

1. Confirm property eligibility and legal STR use:
   • Verify the property’s zoning and any deed or HOA restrictions that may limit STR use.
   • If the STR unit will be an ADU, confirm compliance with the state’s by-right allowance (up to 900 sq ft) and be aware that Ipswich may impose local restrictions on ADU STR use in the near future.
2. Obtain the mandatory safety inspection:
   • Submit an online application for a Certificate of Inspection or call the Building Department to schedule.
   • Understand the inspection is tied to the Mass State Building Code (780 CMR 110 Table of Periodic Inspections), signaling ongoing compliance requirements.
3. Prepare for and pass the inspection:
   • Ensure all applicable life-safety systems and features meet the Mass State Building Code and are ready for inspection.
4. Launch and operate:
   • Market the listing only after securing the Certificate of Inspection.
   • Maintain STR-related safety and operations records (see documentation below).
5. Maintain compliance:
   • Be ready for periodic inspections consistent with 780 CMR 110.
   • Monitor Ipswich bylaw updates—especially regarding ADU STRs—after upcoming town meetings.
6. Consider neighboring-town interactions:
   • If your STR is near municipal boundaries, be mindful that abutters have limited standing over state-mandated by-right development such as ADUs, but local bylaws may still apply.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Certificate of Inspection:
  • Issued by the Town of Ipswich Building Department.
  • Mandatory for all STRs, including Airbnb-style units with stays ≤30 days.
  • Apply online or by phone; failure to obtain and maintain compliance may result in enforcement.
• Building and Safety Compliance:
  • Compliance with Mass State Building Code 780 CMR, including 780 CMR 110 Table of Periodic Inspections.
  • Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, egress, and other safety systems are code-compliant.
• ADU-Specific Considerations (if applicable):
  • ADUs up to 900 sq ft are allowed by-right in single-family districts under the Affordable Homes Act.
  • Ipswich may add local restrictions (e.g., STR prohibitions within ADUs), which are under development and pending town meeting action.
• Ongoing Documentation:
  • Keep inspection certificates, maintenance records for safety systems, and any correspondence with the Building Department on file for periodic inspections and future compliance reviews.
• Licensing:
  • No separate municipal business license is specified in the provided sources; however, check with the Building Department for any additional town permits or registration requirements that may emerge during the bylaw update process.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

• Town of Ipswich (City-Level):
  • Mandatory safety inspection for all STRs starting July 1, 2025.
  • Certificate of Inspection required; submit online application or call the Building Department.
  • Periodic inspections under 780 CMR 110.
  • Ipswich is amending bylaws to comply with the Affordable Homes Act and to address ADU usage; local restrictions (including potential STR limitations in ADUs) may be enacted after town meetings.
• Essex County (County-Level):
  • County-level STR regulations are not identified in the provided sources; investors should rely on Ipswich and state rules unless otherwise directed by local authorities.
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts (State-Level):
  • Affordable Homes Act (effective February 2, 2025): ADUs up to 900 sq ft permitted by-right in single-family districts; no special permits needed for construction absent lot coverage/setback issues.
  • Municipalities may regulate the use of ADUs, including potential STR restrictions.
  • Mass State Building Code (780 CMR), including periodic inspection requirements (780 CMR 110), applies to STR safety compliance.

Contact Information (Local Authority)

• Town Hall
  • Address: 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA 01938
  • Phone: 978-356-6600
  • Hours: Mon 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Tue–Thu 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Fri 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  • Offices closed weekends and holidays
• Building Department (STR Certificate of Inspection)
  • Phone: 978-356-6605
  • Online application available (as noted in the Town’s safety inspection announcement)

Source Pages (Links)

• Ipswich CivicAlert (May 13, 2025): Safety Inspection for All Short-Term Rentals
  • www.ipswichma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1936
• The Local News (Sept 4, 2025): Under new state law, abutters have little say over accessory dwelling units
  • thelocalnews.news/2025/09/04/under-new-state-law-abutters-have-little-say-over-accessory-dwelling-units/