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Short-Term Rentals
Definitions:
- Short-Term Rental: Includes vacation rental, vacation rental-1 (VR-1) and vacation rental-2 (VR-2)
- Vacation Rental-1 (VR-1): A dwelling unit, or portion thereof, that is the primary residence of the property owner or on the owner’s primary residence property and is rented to a person or a group for less than 30 days and a minimum of two nights. The rental of a portion of the dwelling, such as a bedroom, must be located in the principal structure housing the dwelling unit.
- Vacation Rental-2 (VR-2): An entire dwelling unit that is not the primary residence of the property owner and is rented to a person or a group for less than 30 days and a minimum of 4 nights.
Registration:
All Short-Term (formerly vacation) rentals must be registered with the Town of Bar Harbor on an annual basis, prior to rental. Previously registered rentals must re-register on or before May 31 annually. Registration is under the management of the Code Enforcement Officer.
Inspection:
All Short-term rental properties must pass an inspection prior to the issuance of the registration card. Properties must schedule for re-inspection every three (3) years.
- Short-Term Rental Inspection Checklist
- Egress Window Requirements
- Egress Window Video
- Fire Extinguisher Requirements
- Smoke Alarm Facts
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Fuel Gas Detection Requirements
General:
- An inspection will be scheduled with the property owner upon submission of the completed form and payment of the registration fee.
- A registration card will be issued after completion of the inspection and when all requirements are met.
- The card will certify that the applicant has met all requirements and passed the required inspection.
- The registration card must be posted on the premises of the rental unit for convenient inspection by a rental occupant.
- Registration does not relieve the property owner from the obligation to obtain any additional permits necessary.
- Failure to comply with the requirements above will constitute a violation under the Bar Harbor Land Use Ordinance.
- An appeal from the action of Code Enforcement may be sought through the powers and responsibilities in the Land Use Ordinance, Chapter 125, § 125-103.
Additional Forms & Information:
- Top 10 Reasons for Failing a Short-Term rental inspection
- Chapter 174: Short-Term Rental Regulations
- Short-Term Rentals - Land Use Ordinance