Sandwich, Mass., Gen. Bylaws ch. 12 (2025) § 12.06
Enforcement
Operative Text
The provisions of this bylaw shall be enforced by the Building Commissioner. Any violations of this bylaw shall be governed by this section. Whoever violates any provision of this bylaw, or a regulation promulgated hereunder may be penalized by indictment or on complaint brought in the district court. The Town may seek to enjoin violations thereof through any lawful process, and the election of one remedy by the Town shall not preclude enforcement through any other lawful means. Non-Criminal Disposition. Whoever violates any provision of this bylaw, or a regulation promulgated hereunder may be penalized by a noncriminal disposition process as provided in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, section 21D and the Town's non-criminal disposition by-law. If non-criminal disposition is elected, then any person who violates any provision of this bylaw or regulation shall be subject to a penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) for the first offense; two hundred dollars ($200) for the second offense; and three hundred dollars ($300) for a third and subsequent offense. Each day or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense. Suspension of Certificate of Registration. If a notice of violation of this bylaw or any regulation promulgated hereunder or other order is issued to the Owner of a dwelling unit operated as a Short-Term Rental, after a Certificate of Registration is issued, the Building Commissioner, may suspend for a period of time or revoke said Certificate of Registration until the violation has been cured or otherwise resolved. Multiple violations by any Owner may, at the discretion of the Board of Health and after a hearing, disqualify that Owner from obtaining a Certificate of Registration for a period of up to three years. Civil Penalty. In accordance with G.L. c. 64G, §14(v), the Town may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000, or as determined by the Select Board, for any violation of this bylaw or a regulation issued hereunder. Each day a violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
Section 12.06 of Sandwich's Short-Term Rental bylaw establishes multiple enforcement pathways for violations. The Building Commissioner is the primary enforcement authority and may pursue criminal prosecution, non-criminal fines, suspension or revocation of a Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration, or civil penalties up to $5,000 — and the Town is not limited to choosing just one of these remedies. Each day a violation continues can be treated as a separate offense, meaning penalties can accumulate over time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of short-term rentals in Sandwich should be aware that § 12.06 gives the Building Commissioner broad authority to respond to violations, ranging from escalating non-criminal fines ($100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, $300 for third and subsequent) to suspension or permanent revocation of a Certificate of Registration. Compliant operators generally maintain their registration in good standing, promptly cure any noticed violations, and avoid repeat infractions that could trigger a disqualification of up to three years under the Board of Health's discretionary authority. Civil penalties under § 12.06 can reach $5,000 per day of continuing violation, making timely resolution of any compliance issues a standard practice among responsible operators.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you believe a short-term rental in your neighborhood is operating in violation of Sandwich's bylaw, § 12.06 identifies the Building Commissioner as the enforcement contact for complaints. The provision allows the Town to pursue multiple remedies simultaneously, including suspension or revocation of the operator's Certificate of Registration, which may be relevant if a problematic rental is affecting your quality of life. Tenant-rights organizations or a housing attorney familiar with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, § 21D can help you understand what options may be available to you as a community member affected by a non-compliant short-term rental.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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