Overview

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Harrison, Maine. The town currently operates under a low-regulation environment for STRs, with 59 active listings generating substantial revenue (median annual revenue of $43,033) according to 2025 market data. However, the Planning Board is actively developing formal regulations to address safety, septic capacity, and parking concerns.

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

Current Market Entry Process

Given Harrison's current low-regulation environment, investors can currently:

1. Acquire or develop suitable property - Houses represent 61% of the market, with 3-bedroom properties being most common (32.2% of listings)
2. Market effectively - Focus on the dominant guest demographic (families accommodating 8+ guests, representing 50.8% of the market)
3. Price competitively - Current market shows median daily rates of $309, with peak season (July) commanding $438+ per night

Future Regulatory Compliance Requirements

Based on Planning Board discussions (August 2023), forthcoming regulations will likely require:

• Property registration with the Town of Harrison
• Licensing issued by Code Enforcement Office or Fire Department
• Safety inspections before operation
• Compliance with occupancy limits (proposed: 2 people per bedroom)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements

Based on available documentation, the following permits may be required:

Building Permits

• Building Permit - Required for new construction, modifications, or additions (Article 5 of Building Permit Requirements Ordinance)
• Driveway Opening/Excavation Permit - Required for driveways with direct access on Town public ways (Article 7)
• Electrical, plumbing, and other trade permits - As required by Maine law

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Restrictions

• ADUs may not be used as short-term rentals (Article 7, paragraph 7)
• Sprinkler requirements - ADUs on undersized lots must have approved sprinkler systems
• Attached ADUs require entire structure to have sprinkler systems

Anticipated STR-Specific Requirements (Based on Planning Board Discussions)

• STR Registration with Town of Harrison
• Annual License ($100 for owner-occupied, $300 for non-owner-occupied)
• Fire Department/Code Enforcement Inspection
• Local contact person posted visibly on property

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Regulations

• No STR-specific regulations currently in effect (market analysis confirms low regulation environment)
• ADU prohibition - Accessory Dwelling Units cannot be used as STRs

Proposed Regulations (Planning Board Workshop - August 2023)

The Planning Board is developing regulations addressing key concerns:

Occupancy Limits

• Proposed limit: 2 people per bedroom
• Rationale: Prevents septic system failure and overcrowding
• Based on septic tank capacity calculations

Licensing Structure

• Owner-occupied STRs: $100 annual license
• Non-owner-occupied STRs: $300 annual license
• Additional bedroom fees: $50 per bedroom beyond 3 for owner-occupied; $100 per bedroom beyond 3 for non-owner-occupied

Safety Requirements

• Mandatory inspections by Code Enforcement or Fire Department
• License posting requirement on property
• Local contact information must be provided and posted

Parking Requirements

• On-property parking only - No road parking
• Safety concern: Prevents blocking emergency vehicle access

Zoning and Development Standards

• Minimum lot sizes: 40,000 sq ft (post-1974), 20,000 sq ft (1970-1974)
• Setbacks: 10 feet from property lines, 50 feet from public ways
• Height limit: 35 feet for residential structures

State-Level Regulations (Maine)

• Maine health and safety codes apply
• Local shoreland zoning may impose additional requirements for waterfront properties
• State Right-to-Know laws and municipal transparency requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Code Enforcement Office (CEO)

• Responsible for: Building permits, property inspections, enforcement
• Key Contact: James Fahey, ACEO (Assistant Code Enforcement Officer)
• Meeting participation: Present at Planning Board workshops discussing STR regulations

Harrison Planning Board

• Chairman: James Dayton
• Vice-Chairman: Colleen Densmore
• Board Members: Wendy Gallant, Michael Garvey, Scott Ramsdell
• Meeting Schedule: Regular meetings with public input opportunities

Town Administration

• Town Office: Contact through Harrison Maine official channels
• Municipal Officers: Responsible for final ordinance adoption
• Board of Selectmen: Authorized to initiate legal action for violations

Market Performance and Investment Potential

Current Market Metrics (2025)

• Average Daily Rate: $377
• Occupancy Rate: 37.8%
• Median Annual Revenue: $43,033
• Revenue Growth: 23.9% year-over-year
• Active Listings: 59 properties

Optimal Property Profiles

• Property Type: Houses (61% of market)
• Bedrooms: 3 bedrooms (32.2% of listings)
• Guest Capacity: 8+ guests (50.8% of listings)
• Location Focus: Harrison Village, Long Lake, Crystal Lake areas

Seasonal Considerations

• Peak Season: July (highest revenue month)
• Low Season: May (lowest revenue month)
• Booking Lead Time: 76 days average, 129 days for August bookings

Key Challenges and Considerations

Infrastructure Concerns

• Septic system capacity - Major concern for larger groups
• Lake protection - Environmental considerations for waterfront properties
• Road access - Private road restrictions may apply

Community Relations

• Local sentiment - 85% of workshop attendees favored regulations
• Housing availability - STR growth affecting local housing stock
• Traffic and parking - Specific concerns about road blocking

Regulatory Evolution

• Pending regulations - Likely implementation within planning cycle
• Compliance preparation - Proactive adherence to proposed standards
• Inspection scheduling - Coordination with limited municipal resources

Source Documents

• Building Permit Requirements Ordinance - Harrison, ME
• Harrison Planning Board Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2023
• AirROI Harrison Airbnb Market Analysis 2025
• PMI Vacationland Harrison Property Management Services

Investment Recommendation: Harrison presents a strong STR investment opportunity with robust market fundamentals (23.9% YoY revenue growth, median $43K annual income) but requires strategic planning for anticipated regulatory changes. Properties should be developed with proposed safety standards, occupancy limits, and parking requirements in mind to ensure smooth transition when new regulations are implemented.