DALTON, Mass. — Short-term rentals have sparked extensive debate across Berkshire County, and now Dalton is joining the conversation.

 

During the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, the topic of short-term rentals was briefly raised and will be discussed in more depth at its July meeting.

 

The state Department of Revenue flags short-term rentals as owner-occupied or occupied for 14 days or less. By law all units must register, but units occupied by guests for fewer than 15 days a year do not need to collect tax.

 

Some towns, like Williamstown, have defined a rental of a whole or a portion of a dwelling unit, in exchange for payment, as residential accommodations for not more than 30 consecutive days. 

 

Dalton does not have a bylaw for short-term rentals. Definitions on similar rentals within the bylaws are: 

 

Motel, which is defined as a hotel primarily for transients traveling by automobile, with a parking space on the lot for each lodging unit with access to each such unit directly from the outside

 

Lodging, bed-and-breakfast, boarding, or tourist house, which are defined as a residence with rooms rented or used by paying guests, transiently or permanently, where not more than six bedrooms are used for shelter and sleeping accommodations for guests, and guest meals may be provided.

 

Although Building Inspector Brian Duval has not received any complaints, the town's lack of a short-term rental bylaw needs to be addressed to prevent "major problems" other towns are experiencing, including Lanesborough and Lenox. 

 

If Duval receives a complaint, he is required to immediately send a cease and desist, shutting them down, Vice Chair Robert Collins said.