Housing Trust debates short-term rental cap ahead of March vote
Housing Trust Board weighs short-term rental bylaw with March 2 vote looming. The board discussed a $400 registration fee, natural person ownership rules, and a potential cap at the current 85 registered properties. The central dispute: Blake McDonald and others questioned whether a 50-night annual
Egremont Municipal Housing Trust · Meeting of February 19, 2026
EGREMONT — Housing Trust Board weighs short-term rental bylaw with March 2 vote looming. The board discussed a $400 registration fee, natural person ownership rules, and a potential cap at the current 85 registered properties. The central dispute: Blake McDonald and others questioned whether a 50-night annual limit would kill owner-occupied rentals, proposing instead 90-to-150 days; Evan Hardcastle and Mary Brazie supported flexibility.
Chairman Richard Stanley urged the board to focus on legitimate business permits rather than discourage short-term rentals broadly. A vote on the night cap and a formal recommendation on Seasonal Communities Designation are scheduled for March 2.
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Source: the Egremont Municipal Housing Trust meeting of February 19, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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