Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed?

• Explicitly allowed. Camden permits short‑term rentals through a voter‑approved regulatory framework that became effective January 1, 2025. The rules are codified in Chapter 215 (Short‑Term Rentals) and Chapter 290 (Zoning) of the Town’s Code of Ordinances. All STRs must be licensed annually, undergo life safety inspections, and comply with zoning and posted guest‑information requirements.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Camden (step‑by‑step)

1. Confirm you are the owner of record. Only the record owner can apply. Property managers, renters, lessees, or other non‑owners cannot apply or sublet.
2. Determine your STR category:
   • Residential: owner claims primary residence on the property.
   • Seasonal: structure has water service only seasonally; no insulation or whole‑house HVAC (typical camps/cottages).
   • Commercial: owner‑operated but not primary residence.
3. Verify zoning and use compliance (Chapter 290) and any HOA/condo restrictions.
4. Prepare the property for life safety inspection:
   • Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; fire extinguishers on each level; clear egress; adequate lighting; stair/railing safety; window egress in sleeping rooms; electrical safety; etc.
5. Assemble application materials:
   • Proof of ownership and parcel (Map & Lot) info; primary residency documentation (if residential); 24‑hour local emergency contact; insurance evidence; septic documentation (if applicable); zoning confirmation.
6. Submit annually through Camden’s online STR licensing portal:
   • Portal lacks a save function—complete in one session.
   • Separate application required for each dwelling/dwelling unit.
7. Pay licensing fees:
   • Residential: $350; Seasonal: $500; Commercial: $1,000.
   • Additional $100 if the STR is served by a septic system (inspection requirement).
8. Complete life safety inspection before operation and display your license and inspection card at the STR (and online if listed on platforms).
9. Post guest information inside the STR (welcome packet must include emergency contacts, noise/parking rules, and property safety info).
10. Renew annually; maintain compliance and respond to enforcement inquiries.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Short‑Term Rental License (annual, via portal)
  • License must be posted on‑premises and on any platform listing.
• Life Safety Inspection
  • Required before operation; triennial re‑inspection thereafter; conducted by Code Enforcement.
• STR Definitions and Categories (municipal)
  • STR: rent for no more than 28 consecutive days or one calendar month (whichever is less).
  • Residential, Seasonal, and Commercial categories with specific criteria.
• Registration/Posting Requirements
  • Registration card/license posted on‑site and on platform listing; 24‑hour emergency contact listed.
• Zoning Compliance (Chapter 290)
  • STR use must be permitted under zoning; density/parking/character standards apply.
• Safety and Building Standards
  • Smoke/CO detection; fire extinguishers; egress routes; window safety; electrical safety; stair/railing safety; ventilation; and structural integrity.
• Insurance
  • Adequate liability coverage (strongly recommended; specific minimums not stated in code materials).
• Guest Information Packet
  • Emergency contacts; local rules (noise, parking, waste); safety procedures; required on‑site and updated annually.
• Septic Fee
  • Additional $100 licensing fee if the STR is on a septic system (due to increased inspection work).
• Tax Registration (state)
  • Register with Maine Revenue Services to collect/remit the Maine Vacation Rental Tax (9% of gross receipts) if not collected automatically by a hosting platform.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (Camden, Knox County, Maine) Camden (municipal)

• Maximum stay: 28 consecutive days or one calendar month, whichever is less.
• Minimum stay: not specified in current ordinance materials (pre‑2025 rule had a 7‑day minimum; current materials do not state a minimum—confirm with the Planning & Code Enforcement office before finalizing policies).
• License categories and annual fees:
  • Residential STR: $350
  • Seasonal STR: $500
  • Commercial STR: $1,000
  • Additional $100 if septic.
• Application:
  • Owner of record only; one application per dwelling/dwelling unit; online portal submission required; no save function—complete in one session.
• Inspections:
  • Life safety inspection required before operation; triennial reinspection; septic‑served properties subject to additional inspection work.
• Posting:
  • License and inspection card posted on‑premises and on any platform listing.
• Enforcement:
  • Code Enforcement Officer and Police Chief have enforcement authority.
  • Civil violations subject to penalties and court action; appeals follow Chapter 290, Article VII.
• Subletting:
  • Prohibited for non‑owners of record.
• Zoning:
  • STRs must comply with Chapter 290; permitted zones and standards apply (e.g., residential character, parking, density).
• Historic/Other Overlays:
  • Properties in historic districts or with overlays may face additional review (confirm during application).

Knox County (county‑level)

• County ordinances specific to STRs are not presented in the provided materials. All current STR regulatory requirements are municipal.

Maine (state)

• Maine Vacation Rental Tax: 9% of gross rental receipts for lodging of less than 28 days (collected by platforms or directly by operators who register with Maine Revenue Services).
• State fire and building codes apply; life safety standards must be met for licensing.
• Sales/use tax obligations may apply depending on transaction specifics—consult Maine Revenue Services or a tax professional.

Penalties and enforcement

• The town enforces through the Code Enforcement Officer and Police Chief.
• Violations are civil matters; penalties, daily fines for continued violations, and court costs may apply.
• Appeals follow Chapter 290, Article VII procedures.

Contact information (local authority for STRs) Planning & Code Enforcement (STR licensing, inspections, zoning)

• Address: PO Box 1207, 29 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843
• Phone: 207‑236‑3353
• Fax: 207‑236‑7956
• Hours: Mon–Thu 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Fri 7:30 a.m.–noon
• STR Contact: Madeleine “Maddy” Hicks, Administrative Assistant
  • Direct: 207‑236‑3353 ext. 7112
  • Email: mhicks@camdenmaine.gov
• General email: use the town’s contact portal or Planning & Code Enforcement departmental contact

Source pages (links)

• Camden Short‑Term Rental Information (official): www.camdenmaine.gov/departments/planning___code_enforcement/short-term_rental_information.php
• Camden STR Regulatory News & Docs (official): www.camdenmaine.gov/news_detail_T50_R149.php
• Chapter 215 (Short‑Term Rentals): ecode360.com/38284846
• Chapter 290 (Zoning): ecode360.com/38269736
• Camden Code of Ordinances (home): ecode360.com/CA4299/home
• Online STR Licensing Portal: portal.deckard.com/me-knox...town_of_camden-str-portal (use the official STR information page above for the correct portal link)
• Online Permit Portal (general town permits): camdenmepermit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/camdenmepermit

Final notes

• If you are not the record owner of the property, do not proceed with an STR license. Subletting by non‑owners is not allowed under Camden’s current rules.
• If you are unsure about any application fields, pause and contact the Code Enforcement office before submitting.
• Because the online licensing portal lacks a save function, prepare all documentation before starting your application, and complete it in one session.