Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Easton, MD?

YES - Short-term rentals are allowed in Easton, MD and Talbot County, subject to specific regulations and licensing requirements.

Important Geographic Distinction:

• Talbot County (unincorporated areas): STRs are permitted for rentals of 14 weeks or less with proper licensing
• Town of Easton (incorporated areas): STRs are permitted with city-specific licensing requirements

Key Requirement: Properties located within the Town of Easton must follow Easton's municipal regulations, while properties in unincorporated Talbot County must follow county requirements. Contact the appropriate jurisdiction based on your property's location.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

• If your property is within Easton town limits: Follow Easton municipal regulations
• If your property is in unincorporated Talbot County: Follow Talbot County regulations
• Note: Easton, Oxford, St. Michaels, Trappe, and Queen Anne each have their own licensing requirements

Step 2: Easton Process (if within town limits)

1. License Application: Submit written application to Town of Easton
2. Principal Residence Requirement: Property must be your principal residence
3. Property Inspection: Code Enforcement Office will inspect for building/safety code compliance
4. 24/7 Contact Information: Provide personal contact details or designate local agent
5. Neighbor Notification: Notify all properties within 400 feet by certified and regular mail annually
6. Insurance: Maintain minimum $500,000 liability insurance
7. Pay Applicable Taxes: Including Accommodations Tax

Step 3: Talbot County Process (if unincorporated)

1. License Application: Apply online through Talbot County portal
2. Board Review: New licenses require Short-Term Rental Review Board approval
3. Property Inspections: Building safety and environmental health inspections
4. Neighbor Notification: Public hearing process with adjacent property owner notification
5. Tax Registration: Register for Public Accommodations Tax

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

Easton Requirements

Primary License: Housing License (Chapter 14, Article II)

Required Documents:

• Written application from legal owner of record
• Non-refundable rental license fee
• Proof of $500,000 liability insurance
• Principal residence documentation
• 24/7 contact information (owner or local agent)
• Proof of neighbor notifications (400-foot radius)
• Certificate of Occupancy (issued with license)

Special STR Provisions (for rentals under 4 months):

• Only one occupancy permitted at a time
• No commercial food sales allowed
• Continental breakfast items permitted for owner-provided meals
• Principal residence requirement applies to owner or outbuilding on same property
• Must be available for Code Enforcement inspection

Talbot County Requirements

Primary License: Short-Term Rental License

Required Documents:

• STR license application (online)
• County Public Accommodations Tax registration
• Building safety inspection certificates
• Environmental health department approval for septic systems
• Compliance with Talbot County Code Chapter 190-63
• Proof of insurance as required by county

Inspection Requirements (County):

• Fire extinguishers
• Interconnected smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Emergency escape and rescue openings
• Means of egress standards
• Septic system visual inspection (Environmental Health)

State-Level Requirements (Maryland)

• Accommodations Tax: 6% state rate plus local surtaxes (varies by jurisdiction)
• Business Registration: Register with Maryland Comptroller for tax collection/remittance
• Insurance: Verify coverage meets both state and local requirements

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Specific Regulations

Easton Municipal Regulations

Zoning and Use:

• Must be principal residence of owner
• Outbuildings permitted if they meet all building/fire/safety codes
• Owner-occupied exemption exists but prohibits tenancy, solicitation, or advertising
• Properties with immediate family occupancy don't require license

Occupancy Limits:

• Only one lease per property at any given time
• Maximum occupancy as determined by inspection and certificate

Operational Restrictions:

• No commercial food sales or preparation
• Guests may prepare their own food
• Continental breakfast items allowed if owner provides meals
• 24/7 contact requirement (owner or Talbot County resident agent)

Notification Requirements:

• Annual notification to all properties within 400 feet
• Certified mail (return receipt) and regular mail required
• Code Enforcement may share contact information with affected neighbors

Insurance Requirements:

• Minimum $500,000 liability coverage
• Insurer must be aware of short-term rental exposure
• Proof required at time of application

Talbot County Regulations

Licensing Structure:

• Annual license for new STRs
• Two-year renewal periods for subsequent renewals
• Short-Term Rental Review Board approval required for new licenses

Public Hearing Process (New Licenses):

• Adjacent and proximate property owner notification required
• Board may impose conditions to mitigate negative impacts
• License valid for one year upon approval

Tax Requirements:

• Public Accommodations Tax (Chapter 190-63)
• Rate available through Talbot County Finance Department
• Quarterly or annual reporting as determined

Inspection and Compliance:

• Building safety standards inspection required
• Environmental Health Department septic inspection
• Right of entry for inspection is condition of license
• Code Enforcement Division handles violations

Upcoming Changes:

• New legislation introduced October 2025 may create additional restrictions
• Proposed license limits for non-primary residences (1 per 500-1,000 feet depending on zoning)
• Public hearing scheduled November 25, 2025

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Contact Information

Easton Municipal Contacts

Town of Easton

• Address: 14 South Harrison Street, PO Box 520, Easton, MD 21601
• Phone: 410-822-2525
• EPD Phone (Non-Emergency): 410-822-1111
• Code Enforcement: Contact through main number

Online Resources:

• Apply for permits: https://www.eastonmd.gov/143/Apply-For
• Online payments: https://www.eastonmd.gov/273/Online-Tax-Payments

Talbot County Contacts

Department of Planning and Zoning

• Address: 215 Bay Street, Suite 2, Easton, MD 21601
• Phone: 410-770-8030
• Fax: 410-770-8043

Short-Term Rental Review Board

• Same contact information as Planning and Zoning
• Online Application Portal: https://talbotcomd.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080

Talbot County Courthouse

• Address: 11 North Washington St., Easton, MD 21601
• Phone Directory: https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/contact_information

Tax and Compliance

Talbot County Finance Department

• Public Accommodations Tax Questions: Contact through main county number
• Tax Rate Information: https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/about-us/departments-temp/finance/tax-information/tax-rates-2

Complaint and Enforcement

After-Hours STR Complaints

• 24/7 Hotline: 410-819-2284
• Online Complaint Portal: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/talbot-county-md/tips/type

Code Enforcement (County)

• Location: Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington St., Easton, MD 21601
• Jurisdiction: Unincorporated Talbot County only
• Process: Forward STR violation reports during normal business hours

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Important Deadlines and Renewal Procedures

Renewal Deadlines

• Talbot County: Renewal application must be received 60 days prior to expiration
• Easton: Follow municipal renewal schedule (specific timing not detailed in provided content)

Processing Times

• New Licenses: Requires public hearing and board review (Talbot County) or inspection process (Easton)
• Renewals: Generally administrative processing without hearing (Talbot County subsequent renewals)

Key Compliance Dates

• Annual Neighbor Notification: Required annually (Easton)
• Tax Reporting: As determined by Finance Department
• Insurance Renewal: Must maintain continuous coverage

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Source Links

Official Government Sources

1. Talbot County Short-Term Rentals: https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/departments/planning-and-zoning/resources-3/short-term-rentals
2. Talbot County STR Review Board: https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/str
3. Easton Housing License Ordinance: https://eastonmd.gov/492/Article-II-Housing-License
4. Talbot County Code Chapter 190-63: https://ecode360.com/10160312#10160312

Application and Payment Portals

5. Talbot County Online Planning and Permitting: https://talbotcomd.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080
6. STR License Application (County): https://talbotcomd.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080/record-types/6481
7. STR Renewal Application (County): https://talbotcomd.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080/record-types/6484

Tax and Financial Information

8. Talbot County Room Tax Report Form: https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/uploads/File/finance/RoomTaxFillable%20(001).pdf
9. Talbot County Tax Rates: https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/about-us/departments-temp/finance/tax-information/tax-rates-2

Complaint and Enforcement

10. STR Complaint Portal: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/talbot-county-md/tips/type

Educational Resources

11. How To Be a Good Neighbor - STR Guide: https://www.talbotcountymd.gov/uploads/File/PlanningPermits/PZ/Short%20Term%20Rental/Brochures/P&Z%20how%20to%20be%20a%20good%20neighbor%20brochure.pdf

News and Regulatory Updates

12. Recent STR Legislation Article: https://www.stardem.com/news/local_news/talbot-county-introduces-bill-regulating-restricting-short-term-rentals/article_a42cdf9d-f8a9-4107-be11-60318fb57f53.html

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Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided web content and reflects regulations as of the content's publication date. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making business decisions. Regulations may change, and this guide should be supplemented with direct consultation of current municipal and county ordinances.