Short Term Rental Ordinance Adopted

The Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance was officially approved by the Town Council on May 20, 2026. The approvals included the adoption of a Coastal Beach Overlay Zone, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and the creation of Chapter 1020 the Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance. 

All short term rental operators are now required to register with the Town by December 31, 2026 and annually thereafter. A safety inspection is also required with new registrations. The registration process will be launched in July/August with a December 31st deadline—stay tuned for more information.

There are two types of short-term rentals that were defined and the zoning changes limit where each of these are permitted. Owner occupied STRs are permitted by right in the Village and Commercial Districts. Non-owner occupied STRs are not permitted in residential districts, unless they are in the proposed Coastal Beach Zone overlay. The Coastal Beach Zone includes properties approximately ½ mile from the coastline, including Pine Point, Prouts Neck, Ferry Beach, Higgins and properties along Spurwink Road. Non-owner occupied STRs are also permitted in the Village and Running Hill Districts with a special exception and by right in Commercial Districts.  

If you are currently operating a short term rental, there are transitional provisions included in the language that may allow you to waive the special exception process. Please reach out to Autumn Speer at aspeer@scarboroughmaine.org for more information.

SHORT TERM RENTALS