Purpose of this guide: concise, actionable overview of whether STRs are allowed in Brunswick, Maine; how to start one; and the documents, permits, licenses, and rules that apply at the city, county (none), and state levels.

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Brunswick, ME?

Yes. As of May 22, 2025, Brunswick has no Short-Term Rental (STR)–specific ordinance. Short-term rentals that are “Rental Units” under Town Code Chapter 8 are allowed, subject to general rental registration requirements, local fire/life-safety compliance, and state-level rules that apply to lodging and transient rentals (including lodging tax and any applicable state lodging licensure in certain configurations).

Town documents note the current state of STR policy in Brunswick:

• No STR-specific ordinance or regulation in place as of November 2022.
• Brunswick is evaluating models; ~10 other Maine municipalities have adopted STR ordinances.
• A state legislative commission is reviewing statewide impacts, including a potential registry and lodging tax revenue redirection.

Implication for investors:

• You can operate STRs today without a city STR permit, provided you register the property as a rental unit under Chapter 8 and meet all other applicable requirements.
• Expect future local STR regulation. The Town outlines the framework it will likely follow: creating an STR ordinance, a permitting process (including annual renewal, fee tiers tied to unit counts and owner-occupancy, and life/safety standards), and a clear enforcement mechanism.

How to start a short-term rental business in Brunswick

Below is a practical step-by-step checklist tailored to Brunswick and Maine law. Follow each step before accepting bookings.

1. Confirm zoning and land use compliance

• Use the unit as a “Rental Unit” under Town Code Chapter 8 (definition below).
• Confirm your property’s zoning with Brunswick Planning Code Enforcement; Brunswick-specific STR zoning standards are not set in the provided materials.

2. Register the rental property (Chapter 8)

• File initial registration with the Fire Department Fire Prevention Office (FDFPO) within 90 days of the effective date of the Chapter 8 registration requirement (for existing rentals), or within 90 days of adding/removing units and upon sale of the property.
• Provide the information listed in the “Documents, Permits, Licenses, Guidelines” section below.
• Note: Short-term rents and ADUs are explicitly included in Chapter 8’s scope.

3. Establish life/safety readiness

• Comply with fire and life-safety codes applicable to rental units.
• Post required safety information if the Town later requires it (e.g., emergency contacts, egress routes, Knox box information), consistent with Chapter 8’s intent to improve safety and emergency response.

4. Handle taxation and reporting

• Register for and remit Maine’s Lodging Tax (also called “lodging tax” or “rooms tax”) through Maine Revenue Services if your rental activity meets the state’s definition of taxable lodging (see regulations section).
• Maintain records to support filings and potential audits.

5. Manage property data and renewals

• Chapter 8 requires annual validation of registry information and updates within 60 days of changes (ownership, management, registered agent, etc.). Expect similar or more frequent renewals if Brunswick adopts an STR-specific permitting regime.

6. Monitor local rulemaking

• Brunswick has identified the need to create an STR ordinance, permitting process, and enforcement framework. Track Town Council and Planning Committee actions to avoid compliance gaps once new rules are adopted.

Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

A) Brunswick rental registration (Chapter 8)

• Authority: Chapter 8, Article III (Adopted April 22, 2025; effective May 22, 2025).
• Required information to register with FDFPO:
  • Street address and unit numbers.
  • Assessor’s map and lot.
  • Name, address, email, and phone for property owner, property manager, emergency response contact, and agent for service of notices.
  • Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen presence for each unit.
  • Additional fire safety measures (e.g., presence of Knox box).
• Timelines:
  • Initial registration within 90 days of effective date (May 22, 2025) for existing units.
  • Updates within 60 days of transfer of ownership, change in management, change in registered agent, or other material changes.
  • Annual validation via electronic notification from FDFPO.
• Penalties:
  • Failure to register or update within the required timeframes triggers penalty fees:
    • $50 per unit after 30 days.
    • Fees double every 30 days until they reach $400 per unit (Appendix B schedule).
  • Violations are enforced under Chapter 11.5 of the Town code; all partners, officers, trustees, members/managers, and directors are jointly and severally responsible for compliance.

B) Definitions (Chapter 8)

• Owner: Each individual or entity that is the record owner of a building or property.
• Owner-Occupied: A rental unit owned and occupied by the registrant as their primary residence.
• Primary Residence: Dwelling where a person resides more than half of a calendar year and registers as their address for tax and government IDs.
• Registrant: Owner or designee/property manager/representative, with owner permission, seeking to register the unit.
• Rental Unit: Structure or portion of structure rented or available for rent for residential purposes. A unit rented to a member of the Owner’s immediate family is not a rental unit for this ordinance. Short-term rents and ADUs are included.
• Rental Unit does NOT include lodging facilities requiring licensure or dormitories.

C) Municipal fees and renewals

• No separate STR application fee is specified in the provided materials.
• Expect future STR ordinance to define permitting authority, application requirements, annual renewal, and fee structure based on number of rentable units, owner-occupancy, and life/safety measures (sprinklers, monitored fire systems, no smoking policies, etc.).

D) State-level documents (Maine) to consider

• Maine Lodging Tax registration and filing: required for lodging providers. If you provide transient sleeping accommodations for fewer than 30 days (with consideration), state law typically treats the activity as lodging subject to Maine’s lodging tax.
• Lodging license (state): certain lodging establishments may be required to obtain a lodging license from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Apply only if you meet the state’s definition of a lodging establishment. If you are renting a single home (owner or non-owner occupied) without meeting the state’s licensure thresholds, you may still be subject to lodging tax but not necessarily to lodging licensure. Confirm with Maine Revenue Services and DHHS based on your model.

E) Other general compliance

• Insurance: Obtain appropriate property and liability insurance for short-term rental operations.
• Solid waste: Make provision for regular solid waste disposal.
• Parking and access: Ensure sufficient off-street parking for guests to avoid obstructing driveways and to allow emergency vehicle access.

Specific Regulations: Brunswick, County, and State

A) Brunswick regulations

• Current status: No STR-specific ordinance; general rental registration applies via Chapter 8.
• Next steps under consideration by the Town:
  • Develop an STR ordinance.
  • Create a permitting process (permitting authority, annual renewal, fees).
  • Establish enforcement mechanisms and life/safety compliance frameworks.

B) County regulations

• The provided materials do not identify any Cumberland County regulations specific to STRs.
• If any county-level rules exist (e.g., for camps or rural zones), they are not covered by the source data and are outside this guide’s scope.

C) State of Maine regulations (Maine LUPC is not applicable in Brunswick)

• Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) rules on STRs: Apply only within LUPC’s unorganized or plantation territories (e.g., Rangeley area). Brunswick is outside LUPC jurisdiction. The provided comment documents reflect rulemaking and public commentary for LUPC areas; they are not binding in Brunswick.

State laws relevant in Brunswick:

• Lodging Tax: Providers of transient sleeping accommodations for fewer than 30 days are generally subject to Maine’s lodging tax. Register and file with Maine Revenue Services.
• Lodging Licensure: Depending on the nature of your operation (e.g., number of rooms, whether you provide meals, configuration), you may need a state lodging license. Confirm applicability with DHHS.

Local Authority Contacts

• Brunswick Assessing Department (municipal questions)

  • Address: 85 Union Street, Brunswick, ME 04011-2418
  • Phone: 207-725-6650
  • Fax: 207-725-6663
  • Email: assess@brunswickme.org
  • Website: www.brunswickme.org

• Brunswick Fire Department Fire Prevention Office (rental registration, life/safety)

  • Contact via Town Hall; FDFPO administers Chapter 8 registration
  • Address: 85 Union Street, Brunswick, ME 04011 (fire department administrative coordination)

• Maine Revenue Services (lodging tax)

  • Website: www.maine.gov/revenue
  • Phone: 207-626-8475 (general)
  • For lodging tax specifics and online registration, consult MRS guidance

• Maine Department of Health and Human Services (lodging licensure)

  • General contact via Maine DHHS; confirm licensing requirements and application specifics
  • Phone: 207-287-6000 (general)

Source Pages (links provided in the search results)

• Brunswick Assessor Department – Short-Term Rentals overview (Town of Brunswick, 2022-11-14)

  • www.brunswickme.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11142022-2772

• Chapter 8 – Registration of Rental Property (Adopted 2025-04-22; Effective 2025-05-22)

  • www.brunswickme.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11051/Ch-8-Registration-of-Rental-Property-Adopted-April-22-2025

• Maine LUPC – Public comments on proposed STR rule revisions (not applicable to Brunswick; included for context)

  • www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/projects/short-term-rentals/comments/STRRulemaking_PublicCommentsReceived.pdf

Notes for investors:

• The absence of STR-specific rules in Brunswick means today’s compliance path is straightforward: register as a rental unit under Chapter 8, meet life/safety requirements, and comply with state lodging tax.
• Brunswick will likely adopt a permitting and enforcement framework for STRs in the future. Build an internal compliance process now (annual renewals, safety records, tax filings, guest communications) to be ready when the ordinance arrives.
• If your operation changes (e.g., adding units, changing ownership or management), update registration promptly to avoid penalties and to maintain good standing with the Town.