Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Belfast, ME?

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Belfast, Maine. Under the City’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 72, Article II), any residential dwelling unit advertised or intended for rent of less than 28 consecutive days is considered a short-term rental (STR) and must be registered annually with the City—unless a specific exemption applies (see exemptions below). The City’s stated purpose is to monitor STR activity to understand public health, safety, and housing impacts. This is not a ban or moratorium; it is a registry-plus-compliance framework with modest fees and enforceable penalties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Belfast

• Confirm your property and use qualify: You are renting a residential dwelling for fewer than 28 consecutive days and it is not a state- or city-licensed lodging establishment (e.g., hotel/motel/bed and breakfast).
• Identify which of the City’s three categories applies to your operation:
  • Owner-occupied STR: You live on the same premises as the advertised unit (exempt from registration).
  • Primary residence STR: You rent your primary residence or a room in it (exempt from registration).
  • Nonowner-occupied STR (including “accessory” units on the same property as your primary residence): Registration is required.
• Register before advertising or renting: Submit an application to the City’s Planning and Codes Department (Code Enforcement Officer) for each STR unit you intend to operate. Management companies may register on the owner’s behalf.
• Post your registration inside the unit: The City-issued registration must be displayed inside the STR unit.
• Monitor compliance: Ongoing compliance with all city ordinances is required to maintain your registration.
• Renew annually: Registration runs from November 1 to October 31 each year; renewals are due by January 31 with a 60-day grace period (by March 2).

Exemptions from Registration:

• State or City licensed lodging establishments (hotels/motels/bed & breakfasts).
• Owner-occupied STRs (owner resides on the same premises as the advertised unit).
• Renting one’s primary residence or a room within the primary residence.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Application and Registration:

• STR registration application (issued by the Planning and Codes Department).
• One registration per STR unit; management companies may apply on the owner’s behalf.
• Registration must be displayed inside the unit.

Fees:

• Registration fee: $50 per application (initial or renewal).
• After-the-fact registration fee: $100 (applies if you operate without registering or fail to renew).
• Civil penalty for operating without registration: $100 per day (under 30-A M.R.S. § 4452).

Key Rules and Guidelines:

• Registration period: November 1 to October 31; renewals due by January 31, with a 60-day renewal grace period (by March 2).
• No transfer/assignment: Registrations are not transferable between properties or owners.
• Enforcement: The Code Enforcement Officer may suspend or revoke a registration for noncompliance with city codes.
• Appeals: You may appeal any written decision of the Code Enforcement Officer to the Zoning Board of Appeals (per Sec. 102-131).

Specific Regulations for STRs in Belfast, Waldo County, and Maine

City of Belfast STR-Specific Rules:

• Definition of STR: A residential dwelling unit advertised or intended for rent for less than 28 consecutive days; excludes state- or city-licensed lodging establishments.
• Registry: The City maintains a registry of all STRs in Belfast to monitor number and impact.
• Applicability:
  • All residential STRs located within Belfast must register, unless exempt.
  • Owner-occupied STRs and primary residence/room rentals are exempt.
  • Nonowner-occupied units, including accessory units on the same property as the primary residence, require registration.
• Operational requirements:
  • Register before advertising or renting.
  • Display registration inside the unit.
  • Maintain ongoing compliance with city ordinances.
• Fees and penalties:
  • $50 registration fee.
  • $100 after-the-fact registration fee.
  • $100/day civil penalty for operating without required registration.
• Governance and oversight:
  • City Council empowered the Planning and Codes Department to administer the registry; the Code Enforcement Officer issues, denies, and revokes registrations.
  • Registrations valid one year (Nov 1–Oct 31); renewals due by Jan 31 (60-day grace period).
  • Appeals process via Zoning Board of Appeals.

County and State:

• No county-specific (Waldo County) STR requirements are identified in the provided materials.
• State reference: The City enforces penalties under 30-A M.R.S. § 4452. No other state-level licensing or caps are indicated in the sources.

Contact Information and Appeals

Primary Local Authority (Permitting/Enforcement):

• Planning and Codes Department / Code Enforcement Officer
• City of Belfast
• Address: 131 Church Street, Belfast, ME 04915
• Phone: 207-338-3370
• Email: citymanager@cityofbelfast.org

Appeals:

• Zoning Board of Appeals (City of Belfast)
• Contact through City Hall or Planning & Codes Department; follow Sec. 102-131 procedures.

Source Links

• City of Belfast — Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendment: www.cityofbelfast.org/593/Proposed-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-Ame

• City Council — Second Reading: Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendments: www.cityofbelfast.org/DocumentCenter/View/5543

• Bangor Daily News coverage: www.bangordailynews.com/2023/07/12/news/belfast-airbnb-rentals-joam40zk0w/

Notes for investors:

• Belfast’s approach is registration-first, not prohibition. Expect modest fees and active enforcement for noncompliance.
• Review zoning and other city codes (e.g., Chapter 72 Housing and Lodging, Chapter 14 Business, Chapter 66 General Provisions) for any additional operational requirements.