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

• Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in the Town of Wells and require an annual STR license issued by the Town.
• STRs are defined in Town ordinance as the rental of any dwelling unit or portion thereof for fewer than 30 days to transient guests; lodging facilities are excluded and do not require an STR license.
• While licensing is required, the Town emphasizes that the license does not constitute a finding of compliance with building, land use, fire prevention, life safety, or other applicable codes.
• STRs must comply with length-of-stay, guest-count, parking, and posting requirements, among other ordinance provisions.
• Lodging facilities (hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts) are separately regulated and are not considered STRs.

How to Start a STR Business in Wells, ME

1. Confirm zoning eligibility. While the memo does not specify zoning restrictions, ensure your property is not in a zone that prohibits rentals of this type. If needed, consult the Planning Department.
2. Apply for a Town of Wells Short-Term Rental License. A third-party software vendor will be used for online application and fee collection; the Town will coordinate the notice, application, review, and approval processes.
3. Post the license in a conspicuous location at the STR and maintain compliance with occupancy, length of stay, and parking requirements.
4. Maintain records of guest stays and comply with any posting/notice and renewal requirements.
5. Renew the STR license annually, and anticipate Board of Selectmen approval for new licenses on a monthly basis. The Town updates its STR list monthly and reviews notices of violations.
6. If not using online payment, be prepared for the Town to service fee collection via alternate means.
7. Note that the STR license is not an inspection or approval of compliance with applicable codes; owners remain responsible for compliance and insurance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental License application (online via third-party portal; applicants must submit required information, fees, and consents).
• License fee (amount not specified in the memo; payment via online portal or alternative arrangement with Town).
• License renewal documentation for annual renewals.
• Compliance with STR ordinance: posting the license, adhering to length of stay, guest limits, and parking spaces (specific numeric limits not stated in the memo).
• Maintain evidence of compliance with applicable building, land use, fire prevention, life safety, and other codes (though no inspection is performed by the Town for the STR license).
• If the Town issues notice of violations, respond and cure within timelines specified by the ordinance.

Specific Regulations for STRs in Wells, ME (City/County/State)

• Town of Wells Short-Term Rental Ordinance: requires an annual STR license; defines STRs; includes licensing requirements, application, fees, notice and posting requirements, renewals, and enforcement provisions.
• Lodging facilities are excluded from the STR definition and are not subject to the STR ordinance.
• Length of stay, guest limits, and parking requirements are specified in the ordinance but not detailed in the memo; owners must adhere to these numeric restrictions.
• Licensing does not constitute a finding of compliance with building, fire prevention, life safety, or other codes.
• The Town proposes to use a third-party software vendor to identify advertised STRs and communicate licensing requirements; notices will be mailed on Town letterhead and enforcement actions pursued as needed.
• York County: no specific STR rules were provided in the content.
• State of Maine: no specific state-level STR statutes or rules were detailed in the content; owners must comply with applicable state laws.

Contact Information for Local Authority (Licensing and Enforcement)

• Town of Wells, Code Enforcement Office (STR licensing and enforcement)
• Jodine Adams, Code Enforcement Officer
• Michael Livingston, Engineer/Planner
• Address: 208 Sanford Road, Wells, Maine 04090
• Phone: 207-646-5187
• Official website (where to verify application and ordinance details): wellstown.org

Important Dates and Operational Notes

• Board of Selectmen approvals occur monthly for new licenses.
• Annual renewals are processed in April (with Board approvals as required).
• The Town updates its STR list monthly; the number of active STRs fluctuates seasonally, especially near beach areas.
• Notices of violations may be issued on Town letterhead; owners must respond promptly and correct violations to avoid court action.
• Online application and fee collection are integrated with a third-party service; the Town will assist with questions, processing, and servicing of payments where needed.

Links to Source Pages

• Town of Wells STR Memo (May 4, 2020): wellstown.org/DocumentCenter/View/5293/Short-Term-Rentals--CEO--Planner-Memo

Risk and Compliance Notes for Investors

• The STR license does not imply code compliance; obtain independent inspections, maintain fire and life safety standards, and verify zoning compliance to mitigate liability.
• The Town may face staffing increases to manage STRs; expect the Town to enforce requirements through notice-and-cure and potential court action for non-compliance.
• Beach-area STRs are prevalent and historically common; seasonal spikes will influence demand, compliance reviews, and operational oversight.

This guidance is based solely on the Town of Wells’ memo; for definitive rules, numeric limits, and application details, consult the full STR ordinance on the Town website and contact the Code Enforcement Office.