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Friday, October 11, 2024

Question B: Council Initiated changes to Portland’s Short-Term Rental Registration Requirements

Voting has begun in Portland, and many people are asking me about Question B on the municipal ballot.

This amendment to our Short Term Rental (STR) ordinance was passed by the Council but must be ratified by voters. It complements a number of other changes to our STR regulations passed by the Council in August. .

What are the changes?

1. Tightens registration requirements for owner-occupied STRs by requiring proof that the unit is the host’s primary residence. Hosts must supply the city with a) proof that they qualify for Maine’s “Homestead Exemption” at the unit, or b) Federal Tax Return (with financial information redacted) showing primary residence at the unit.

Why does this matter? Portland strictly limits the number of non-owner occupied STR licenses we issue, but we do not limit owner-occupied licenses. Stronger registration requirements will decrease the number of STRs being falsely registered as “owner-occupied” to get around the limit.

2. Adds registration requirements for Peaks Island short-term rentals, and requires the City to verify whether a unit is seasonal or year-round.

Why does this matter? The Council has established a new cap on the lumber of Peaks Island short-term rentals licenses we issue. The cap does not apply to seasonal properties. Question B requires the City to verify if Peaks Island STRs are year-round or seasonal when registering them, so we know if they’re subject to the cap or not.

3. Requires hosts of STRs in condominiums to provide proof that use of the unit as a short-term rental is allowed under the condo association’s governing documents.

Why does this matter? Current documentation requirements are too weak to enforce this proactively.

You can review the full text of the changes here.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

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