Council closes hearing on Airbnb enforcement ordinance
North Adams held a joint hearing on tightening short-term rental enforcement and closed the hearing without a final vote.
City Council and Planning Board Joint Hearing · Meeting of September 15, 2026
North Adams held a joint hearing on tightening short-term rental enforcement and closed the hearing without a final vote. The City Council and Planning Board reviewed Council Paper 12571-3, which would require Division of Inspection Services certification before Planning Board permitting and route noncompliance fines into the Affordable Housing Trust. Councilor Alexa MacDonald said the city sent compliance letters to "120-some-odd" property owners with a low response rate.
Resident and short-term rental operator Caleb Worsten said one property generated $120,000 in rental revenue over 12 months, with $266,000 in estimated total local economic impact. Councilor Keith J. Bona said the hearing was "about putting some teeth behind our protocols" rather than debating whether Airbnbs should be allowed.
A representative from Airbnb reportedly contacted the ordinance's sponsor offering to help enforce local compliance rules once finalized. The council voted unanimously to close the public hearing.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 1,651 words
Source: the City Council and Planning Board Joint Hearing meeting of September 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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