Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Stockton Springs, ME?

Short-term rentals are currently allowed in Stockton Springs, Maine. As of August 2021, according to a letter from town attorney Ed Bearor distributed at a community meeting, short-term rental properties are permitted wherever there is a residence. At that time, the town did not require short-term rental property owners to register with the municipality, and no specific local regulations were in place to govern the practice.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Stockton Springs

Initial Steps:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property is located in a zoning district that permits residential use, as short-term rentals are allowed wherever there is a residence.

2. Review Home Occupation Provisions: While short-term rentals aren't specifically regulated, ensure your rental operation complies with home occupation standards if applicable to your situation.

3. Obtain Necessary Building Permits: For any structural modifications, you must submit applications to the Code Enforcement Officer and obtain approved permits before commencement.

4. Ensure Certificate of Occupancy: A Certificate of Occupancy is required prior to living in or using any structure, and must be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer after ensuring all requirements are met.

Property Preparation Requirements:

• Ensure adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces per dwelling unit)
• Comply with setback requirements (minimum 10 feet from rear or side property lines)
• Meet building height limitations (maximum 35 feet from ground level to peak of roof)
• Address all applicable performance standards in the Land Use Ordinance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Building and Construction Permits:

Permit Application Requirements:

• Description of the contemplated activity
• Site plan with scale indicated
• Calculation of square footage of floor space
• Estimate of approximate construction cost
• For mobile homes: make, year, and model information

Certificate of Occupancy Requirements:

• Building permit obtained
• Driveway entrance permit obtained
• Subsurface Wastewater Disposal system permit obtained and system installed/inspected
• Internal Plumbing permit obtained and plumbing inspected

State-Level Requirements:

• Compliance with Maine State Plumbing Code
• Adherence to National Electric Code for electrical installations
• Compliance with Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry licensing where applicable

Local Guidelines:

• Respect noise ordinances and maintain quiet hours (typically 10:00 PM)
• Ensure adequate parking doesn't create congestion or hazardous conditions
• Comply with general performance standards regarding dust, fumes, odors, and glare
• Maintain property in accordance with municipal standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations:

Current Status (as of 2021):

• No specific short-term rental registration requirement
• No cap on the number of rental properties
• No special permits or licenses required beyond standard building/zoning compliance
• Short-term rentals permitted as residential use in all zoning districts

Potential Future Regulations (as discussed in 2021):

• Community discussions included exploring the creation of a rental registry
• Consideration of noise and disturbance regulations
• Potential owner presence requirements

Zoning Districts Where Short-Term Rentals Are Permitted:

• Town Square District (TS)
• Village 1 District (V1)
• Village 2 District (V2)
• Residential 1 District (R1)
• Residential 2 District (R2)
• Residential 3 District (R3)
• Mixed Use District (MU)
• Commercial District (CM)
• Rural District (R)

Performance Standards That Apply:

• Home Occupation Standards (if applicable): Limited to 25% of dwelling unit floor area, no more than two non-family employees, no exterior signs or storage
• Parking Requirements: Minimum two parking spaces per dwelling unit
• Setback Requirements: Minimum 10 feet from property lines
• Noise and Nuisance Standards: Prohibited emission of dust, odors, or excessive noise beyond lot lines
• Signage Limitations: Residential rental vacancies may be advertised with non-illuminated signs no larger than 8 square feet, only when property is vacant

County-Level Regulations:

Waldo County, where Stockton Springs is located, does not appear to have specific short-term rental ordinances beyond standard zoning and building code enforcement.

State-Level Regulations (Maine):

• No statewide short-term rental registration requirement as of 2021
• Compliance with Maine health and safety codes required
• State sales tax and lodging tax obligations apply
• Property tax obligations based on residential classification

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact - Code Enforcement Officer:

Town of Stockton Springs Code Enforcement Officer

• Address: Town Office, 13 West Main Street, Stockton Springs, ME 04981
• Phone: (207) 567-3662
• Email: Not specified in provided documents
• Website: www.stocktonsprings.org
• Office Hours: Contact Town Office for specific hours

Additional Municipal Contacts:

Town Clerk

• Address: 13 West Main Street, Stockton Springs, ME 04981
• Phone: (207) 567-3662
• Website: www.stocktonsprings.org

Planning Board

• Administration: Through Town Office
• Contact: Code Enforcement Officer for Planning Board applications

Zoning Board of Appeals

• Administration: Through Town Office
• Contact: Code Enforcement Officer for variance applications

State-Level Contacts:

Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation

• Website: www.maine.gov/pfr
• Phone: (207) 624-8600

Maine Department of Health and Human Services

• Website: www.maine.gov/dhhs
• Phone: (207) 287-2876

Source References

Primary Sources:

1. Bangor Daily News Article: "Stockton Springs residents grapple with short-term rentals" - August 9, 2021

   • URL: www.bangordailynews.com/2021/08/09/news/midcoast/stockton-springs-residents-grapple-with-short-term-rentals/
   • Source: Bangor Daily News
   • Content: Community meeting discussions about short-term rental regulations and current status

2. Town of Stockton Springs Land Use Ordinance (Amended June 15, 2024)

   • URL: www.stocktonsprings.org/vertical/sites/%7B8949E95B-F68F-4A72-B7A8-584080603AC0%7D/uploads/Land_Use_Ordinance_2024.pdf
   • Content: Comprehensive zoning regulations, permitting requirements, performance standards

Important Notes:

• The information provided reflects the regulatory landscape as of 2021-2024
• Municipal regulations for short-term rentals may have evolved since the most recent source materials
• Property owners should verify current requirements with the Code Enforcement Officer before establishing a short-term rental business
• The town was actively discussing potential future regulations as of 2021, so regulatory changes may have occurred

Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available information as of the indicated publication dates. Municipal regulations can change frequently, and investors should always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. This document does not constitute legal advice, and professional consultation is recommended for complex regulatory questions.