Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bar Harbor, ME?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Bar Harbor, Maine. The town has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits short-term rentals while ensuring compliance with local safety and zoning requirements. Bar Harbor's regulations took effect on December 2, 2021, and represent a mature, established STR market with clear pathways for legal operation.

Short-term rentals in Bar Harbor must be registered annually with the Town and comply with specific definitions, inspection requirements, and ongoing operational standards. The town distinguishes between two primary types of short-term rentals, each with distinct requirements and limitations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bar Harbor

Step 1: Property Assessment and Compliance Verification

Before proceeding with registration, ensure your property meets all zoning and use requirements. Properties must be legally existing dwelling units that can be used for residential purposes. Confirm that your intended use complies with local zoning ordinances.

Step 2: Determine Your STR Category

Bar Harbor classifies short-term rentals into two distinct categories:

Vacation Rental-1 (VR-1): A dwelling unit, or portion thereof, that is the primary residence of the property owner or on the owner's primary residence property and is rented to a person or group for less than 30 days and a minimum of two nights. The rental of a portion of the dwelling, such as a bedroom, must be located in the principal structure housing the dwelling unit.

Vacation Rental-2 (VR-2): An entire dwelling unit that is not the primary residence of the property owner and is rented to a person or group for less than 30 days and a minimum of four nights.

Step 3: Complete Application and Documentation

Submit the Short-Term Rental Application and Emergency Information Form with the required annual registration fee of $250. Applications must be accompanied by all required documentation and fees.

Step 4: Schedule and Complete Inspection

All short-term rental properties must pass an inspection prior to the issuance of the registration card. The town will schedule this inspection upon receipt of your completed application and fee payment.

Step 5: Obtain Registration Card

Upon successful completion of the inspection and meeting all requirements, a registration card will be issued. This card must be prominently posted on the premises of the rental unit for convenient inspection by rental occupants.

Step 6: Annual Renewal

Previously registered rentals must re-register on or before May 31 annually. Properties must also be scheduled for re-inspection every three (3) years.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Required Documents:

1. Short-Term Rental Application - The official registration form
2. Short-Term Rental Emergency Information Form - Required for all properties
3. Registration Fee Payment - $250 annual fee (as of the latest available information)

Inspection Requirements:

All properties must pass a comprehensive safety inspection covering:

1. Fire Safety Compliance:

   • Fire extinguisher requirements
   • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm systems
   • Egress window requirements
   • Fuel gas detection systems

2. Building Code Compliance:

   • Adherence to current building codes
   • Structural safety standards
   • Electrical and plumbing systems

3. Emergency Preparedness:

   • Emergency information posting
   • Clear egress routes
   • Emergency contact information availability

Required Inspections:

• Initial Inspection: Prior to first-time registration
• Re-inspection: Every three (3) years thereafter
• Re-inspection: May be required if modifications are made to the property

Additional Guidelines:

1. Properties must maintain compliance with all building codes
2. Registration does not exempt owners from obtaining additional permits that may be required for specific modifications or uses
3. Properties must maintain septic system compliance in accordance with Maine DEP guidelines

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Bar Harbor):

Operational Requirements:

• Minimum stay requirements vary by category (VR-1: 2 nights minimum, VR-2: 4 nights minimum)
• Maximum rental period of 29 days for both categories
• Properties must be registered annually before rental commences
• Re-registration deadline: May 31 annually

Safety and Compliance:

• Mandatory safety inspections before registration
• Re-inspection required every three years
• Registration card must be posted on-premises
• Properties must comply with all building codes and safety requirements

Violation Consequences:

• Non-compliance constitutes a violation under the Bar Harbor Land Use Ordinance
• Enforcement actions may be taken for violations
• Appeals may be sought through the Land Use Ordinance procedures

Category-Specific Requirements:

• VR-1: Must be owner's primary residence or on the primary residence property
• VR-2: Must be an entire dwelling unit not serving as owner's primary residence

County-Level Regulations:

No specific county-level regulations for Hancock County were identified in the provided materials that supersede or supplement Bar Harbor's municipal requirements.

State-Level Regulations (Maine):

As of the latest available information, Maine does not have comprehensive state-level short-term rental regulations that supersede local municipal ordinances. However, state-level requirements that may apply include:

1. Building and Safety Codes: All properties must comply with Maine's Uniform Building and Energy Codes
2. Taxation: Short-term rental income is subject to Maine income tax and potentially sales tax
3. Consumer Protection: Maine's consumer protection laws apply to short-term rental transactions
4. Property Rights: State property rights laws govern landlord-tenant relationships for rentals exceeding 30 days

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

• Department: Code Enforcement Office
• Physical Address: Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
• Phone: 207-288-4098
• Email: Available through the town's contact directory
• Office Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Specific STR Management:

• Registration Management: Code Enforcement Officer
• Inspection Scheduling: Coordinated through Code Enforcement
• Appeals Process: Handled through Land Use Ordinance procedures

Online Resources:

• Town Website: www.barharbormaine.gov
• Code Enforcement Department: Available through the main town website
• Online Permitting: Available through the town's permitting portal

Links to Source Pages

Official Town of Bar Harbor Resources:

1. Main STR Information Page: www.barharbormaine.gov/516/Short-Term-Rentals
2. Code Enforcement Department: www.barharbormaine.gov/267/Code-Enforcement
3. Short-Term Rental Application: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7955
4. Emergency Information Form: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5362
5. Inspection Checklist: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6382
6. Chapter 174 - STR Regulations: ecode360.com/BA1953/laws/LF1447401.pdf
7. Land Use Ordinance - STR Section: ecode360.com/BA1953/laws/LF1451886.pdf
8. Egress Window Requirements: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4866
9. Fire Extinguisher Requirements: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6360
10. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5150
11. Fuel Gas Detection Requirements: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5405
12. Top 10 Reasons for Inspection Failure: www.barharbormaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5365
13. Online Permitting Portal: barharbormaine.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/barharbormaine

Third-Party Information Sources:

1. Maine Legislature - Local STR Ordinances Summary: legislature.maine.gov/doc/8864
2. Airbnb Host Information for Bar Harbor: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3191

Community Information:

1. Mount Desert STR Discussion (Contextual): barharborstory.com/2024/05/08/mount-desert-rejects-short-term-rental-ordinance/

Important Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided content and reflects regulations as they existed at the time of the source material. Short-term rental regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Town of Bar Harbor Code Enforcement Office before making investment decisions. The information provided does not constitute legal advice, and property owners should consult with qualified legal and real estate professionals familiar with Maine's regulatory environment.