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Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance

The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize and require the annual registration of the use of a legally existing residential dwelling offered for the accommodation of short-term guests, for compensation, for periods of less than 28 consecutive days. The registration program allows for the historical practice of short-term rentals in coastal areas and serves to limit the impacts on neighborhoods outside of coastal areas within the Town of Scarborough.

Persons or entities wishing to establish a short-term rental within the Town of Scarborough shall first register with the Scarborough Town Clerk and shall be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and Chapter 405 Zoning Ordinance.

Ordinance

Please refer to the ordinance linked below for further requirements.

Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance

Annual Registration

All Short Term Rental (STR) operators are required to register with the Town by December 31, 2026, and annually thereafter.  A safety inspection is also required for new registrations and will be scheduled within 6 months of the initial registration period so as not to interfere with seasonal rentals. 

The ordinance defines two types of STRs, and the zoning changes limit where each of these are permitted:

  • Owner occupied STRs require Special Exception approval in residential districts, unless they are in the Coastal Beach Overlay Zone. Owner occupied STRs are also permitted by right in the Village and Commercial Districts.  
  • Non-owner occupied STRs are not permitted in residential districts, unless they are in the Coastal Beach Zone overlay.  Non-owner occupied STRs are permitted in the Village and Running Hill Districts as a Special Exception and by right in Commercial Districts.   

The Coastal Beach Overlay Zone includes properties approximately ½ mile from the coastline, including Pine Point, Prouts Neck, Ferry Beach, Higgins Beach and properties along Spurwink Road.  

If you are currently operating a STR, there are also transitional provisions included in the adoption language that may allow you to waive the Special Exception process.  

Short Term Rental Registration

Once you submit for registration, the Planning Department will reach out if additional information is required. Please reach out to Autumn Speer at aspeer@scarboroughmaine.org for more information.