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Patch - New rules that go into effect in April will prohibit short-term rentals made popular by Websites like Airbnb from single-family residential zones in Salem. While the new rules passed by City Council on Thursday allow for short-term rentals in two-family residential zones, owners of the properties would need to register with the city and pay a $100 fee. The new rules essentially treat Airbnb and other short-term rentals as bed and breakfasts. "The Massachusetts Lodging Association commends the City of Salem for taking this reasonable action that helps level the playing between short-term rental businesses and traditional lodgers," Paul Sacco, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Lodging Association said. "These new measures are yet another recognition by community leaders of the disruption that is caused in residential neighborhoods by unregulated Airbnb's." Read more