Overview: Short-Term Rentals (STRs) ARE Allowed in Rangeley, ME
The Town of Rangeley explicitly permits short-term rentals (defined as dwelling rentals for fewer than 28 consecutive days for compensation) within residential dwelling units, subject to registration and operating standards. STRs include single-family homes, condos, townhouses, duplexes, and cabins. Hotels, motels, and traditional B&Bs are excluded under Maine lodging laws.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Rangeley, ME

1. Confirm Zoning Eligibility: Verify your property is residential and not restricted by covenants/deed restrictions.
2. Understand Registration Requirement:
   • Mandatory: Operate only with a valid Rangeley Town Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate (Effective Oct 1, 2023). No registration = illegal operation.
   • Administered By: Rangeley Town Clerk.
3. Designate Local Contact Person: Identify a responsible party able to respond to complaints by phone within 30 minutes and be onsite within 24 hours. This can be you, an agent, or a professional property manager meeting these criteria.
4. Complete Application & Pay Fee:
   • Submit your Application for Rental Registration to the Town Clerk annually.
   • Application Deadline: May 1st for the Fiscal Year registration (July 1 - June 30). First-time applications can be submitted year-round.
   • Fee: Paid annually. Amount is set by the Select Board via public hearing and is subject to annual review (exact fee not specified in the provided draft).
5. Provide Required Documentation: See detailed list below.
6. Post & Advertise Legally: After receiving your Certificate:
   • Posting: Display the Certificate prominently inside the STR unit near the entrance.
   • Advertising: Include the unique Registration Number in ALL advertisements/listings (websites, platforms, print).
7. Operate to Standards: Continuously comply with all operating standards, noise rules, parking limits, life safety requirements, and waste disposal rules.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

1. Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate & Application * Obtained From: Rangeley Town Clerk. * Core Application Requirements: * Operator name and detailed contact info. * Local Contact Person name and phone (reachable within 30 mins). * STR property address. * Rental unit type (e.g., home, condo). Specify if primary/secondary dwelling on the property. * Maximum occupancy (see standards below). * Number of off-street parking spaces provided for guests. * Life Safety Inventory: Number & location of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms. * Acknowledgment: Operator confirms understanding of this STR Ordinance and Town leash, noise, parking, and fireworks ordinances. * Proof of Rental Insurance: Mandatory at registration. * Registration Fee: Annual, amount set by Select Board. * Supporting Docs: Application form and self-inspection checklist (available on Town website/in-person). * Renewal: Annually by May 1st. Certificate valid for Fiscal Year (Jul 1 - Jun 30).

2. Compliance with Municipal Ordinances * Town of Rangeley Noise Ordinance (Chapter 22): Strict adherence required. * Town of Rangeley Leash, Parking, Fireworks Ordinances: Compliance mandatory. * Town of Rangeley Solid Waste Ordinance: Must ensure proper removal/disposal.

3. State-Level Considerations * Maine Lodging Laws (Title 22 M.R.S.A. § 2491 – 2501, DHHS Chapter 206): Explicitly excludes traditional lodging (hotels, motels, B&Bs) from Rangeley's STR definition. Your STR is distinct. * LUPC (State Planning Context - see below): Potentially relevant if your property is in the unorganized territory (Rangeley Plantation), not the Town of Rangeley.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Rangeley, ME (Town-Level)

Operating Standards (Must Be Maintained):

1. Local Contact Person: Must be reachable by phone within 30 mins and able to be onsite within 24 hours to manage issues or guest conduct.
2. Occupancy Limits:
   • Maximum: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional people.
   • Applies strictly between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
3. Parking:
   • Provide sufficient off-street parking for the dwelling unit and all overnight guest vehicles.
   • Overnight guest vehicles limited to the number of off-street spaces provided (garage spaces count).
   • Absolutely no blocking of emergency vehicle access.
4. Life Safety Requirements:
   • E911 Address: Clearly visible from the street.
   • Fire Extinguisher: At least one appropriately sized, mounted prominently with clear instructions.
   • Smoke & CO Alarms: At least one smoke alarm and one CO alarm in each bedroom area and areas giving access to bedrooms.
   • Phone: Required if cellular service is inadequate (landline or VoIP).
5. Solid Waste Management:
   • Mandatory removal upon guest departure, at minimum before the next guest arrives.
   • Never leave uncovered trash/debris outside the STR for over 48 hours. (Trash properly in collection receptacles is exempt).
6. Noise: Compliance with Town Noise Ordinance (Chapter 22) is mandatory at all times.
7. Advertising: Illegal to advertise an unregistered STR. Registration number must appear on all ads.
8. Certificate Posting: STR Registration Certificate must be displayed prominently inside the unit.

Prohibited Activities & Enforcement:

1. Subletting: Guests are strictly prohibited from subletting the STR.
2. Restrictions: Registration denied if property has a recorded covenant/deed restriction banning STRs.
3. Inspection & Compliance: Code Enforcement Officer can inspect (with notice) to verify compliance. Refusal is a violation.
4. Violations Include:
   • False/misleading application info.
   • Exceeding occupancy limits.
   • Any violation of STR conditions/ordinances.
   • Violations of any other local/state/federal laws related to the STR.
5. Administrative Penalties:
   • Per-day fines assessed for violations until compliance. Amounts are TBD by Select Board - not specified in draft.
   • Failure to pay/rectify within 30 days can lead to prosecution under 30-A M.R.S. 4452.
6. Denial, Suspension, Revocation: CEO can deny/suspend/revoke for incomplete/false applications or violations. Grounds include 3+ substantiated violations in 12 months.
7. Appeals: Decisions can be appealed to the Town Board of Appeals within 30 days.

Transfer & Ownership: * Registration transferable only upon ownership transfer to an immediate family member (child, spouse, sibling, parent). Must notify Town Clerk. * New owner can operate until the following April 30th, then must apply for renewal as usual. * All other ownership changes require a new "first-time" application.

State-Level Regulations (Maine) - Context for Rangeley Area

1. Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC): Oversees land use in Maine's unorganized territories (territories not part of a municipality). Rangeley TOWN is not in LUPC jurisdiction. However, Rangeley Plantation (unorganized territory) is.
2. LUPC Short-Term Rental Rulemaking (2024-2025):
   • LUPC is implementing a phased regulatory approach for STRs in its service area.
   • Phase 1 (Adopted Dec 2024): LUPC has directed staff to draft rules requiring a no-fee notice to the Commission for STRs and publishing best practices info/contacts.
   • Phase 1 Rule (Draft 2025): LUPC has posted draft rules for public comment (comment deadline passed) defining STRs and requiring property owners in their service area to file a simple notice with LUPC detailing the STR location. This rule is NOT YET FINAL and applies ONLY to the unorganized territories served by LUPC (e.g., Rangeley Plantation), not the Town of Rangeley.
   • Future Phases: LUPC may consider additional standards (like occupancy, parking) later based on impacts and complaints. For investors in Rangeley Plantation: Monitor LUPC rulemaking closely.

Contact Information for Local Authority in Charge (Rangeley Town)

• Authority: Town of Rangeley / Town Clerk (Handles registrations & initial compliance)

  • Address: Rangeley Town Office, 15 Depot Street, Rangeley, ME 04970
  • Phone: (207) 864-3326 (General office number - confirm Town Clerk direct line if needed)
  • Email: townclerk@townofrangeley.com (Confirm availability/accept applications via email)
  • Website: **www.townofrangeley.com/**
  • Hours: Contact Town Office for current hours (typically M-F, check website).

• Authority: Code Enforcement Officer (Handles inspections, violations, enforcement)

  • Contact: Through Town Clerk's office for initial contact. Specific contact info not provided in sources.

• State Planning Authority (Context Only): Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC)

  • Address: 22 State House Station, 18 Elkins Lane, Augusta, ME 04333
  • Phone: (207) 287-3200
  • Website: **www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/**
  • Email: stacy.benjamin@maine.gov (Contact for STR rulemaking inquiries)

Important Source Links

1. Town of Rangeley Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Draft): www.townofrangeley.com/DocumentCenter/View/1914/DRAFT-Chapter-34---Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-Atty-Edit-262023
2. Maine LUPC Short-Term Rentals Information Hub: www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/projects/short-term-rentals/index.html
3. HOLA (Regional Association) STR Discussion (Context - Rangeley Area): holarangeley.org/hola-table-of-contents/hola-regional-matters/
4. The Maine Monitor Article on LUPC STR Rulemaking: themainemonitor.org/short-term-rentals-watered-down-rules/
5. Town of Rangeley Website (General Info, Contacts): www.townofrangeley.com/ (Link to specific STR page may be needed once updated post-ordinance passage).

Key Takeaway for Investors: Rangeley TOWN allows STRs with mandatory annual registration ($ fee) through the Town Clerk, strict operating standards (occupancy, parking, life safety, waste), and robust enforcement. While the provided ordinance document is labeled "Draft," its effective date (Oct 1, 2023) and detailed provisions indicate it's the active regulatory framework unless superseded by a newer adopted version. Monitor the Town website and contact the Clerk directly for the current fee and confirmation of final adoption status.