What are the key requirements for Orono hosts?

Absentee owners MUST hire a local manager if living >1 hour away

What are the permit fees in Orono?

Registration deadline is September 1; fees double if paid after this date

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Orono?

Max occupancy is strictly limited to 3 or 5 unrelated persons depending on the zone

What should Orono hosts know about parking on the front yard?

Parking on the front yard is strictly prohibited

Orono, ME Short-Term Rental Rules &...

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

Orono requires annual registration for all short-term rentals (homestays) and distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Low permit fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To operate a short-term rental in Orono, you must register the property annually with the Town for a $25 fee. If you live more than an hour away, you must designate a local agent to handle emergencies. All properties must meet specific occupancy, parking, and safety notification requirements.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$25

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Orono allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Tenants must provide a signed agreement from the property owner authorizing the homestay use.
•Orono allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Two-family dwelling (duplex), Multi-family dwelling (if allowed by zone), Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
•Orono: Parking on the front yard is strictly prohibited

Requirements(9)

•Orono STR warning: Max occupancy is strictly limited to 3 or 5 unrelated persons depending on the zone
•Orono requires STR registration. The permit is called "Rental Registration". Apply through Code Enforcement Office. Processing time: 1-2 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Orono STR warning: Absentee owners MUST hire a local manager if living >1 hour away

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Orono: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Tier - Determine if your property is Tier 1 (owner-occupied) or Tier 2 (non-owner occupied) and ensure the zoning district allows travelers' accommodations. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://orono.org/151/Zoning-Maps Step 2: Designate a Local Agent - If you live more than 1 hour away, you must appoint a local agent who can respond to emergencies 24/7. Documents needed: Notarized Local Agent Statement. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://orono.org/168/Rental-Registration Step 3: Submit Annual Rental Registration - Complete the online or paper Rental Registration application including a lot sketch showing parking and trash storage. Documents needed: Property Sketch, Owner/Agent Authorization. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 25. More info: https://orono.org/168/Rental-Registration Step 4: Schedule Inspection - Initial homestay permits require a safety inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer and Life Safety Inspector. Repeat inspections occur every 3 years. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Orono charges a registration fee of $25 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $50 (Fee doubles to $50 if paid after the September 1 deadline.).
•Orono: Registration deadline is September 1; fees double if paid after this date

Taxes(1)

•Maine has a state sales tax of 0.09% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Orono occupancy calculation: In zones where multi-family is permitted: 5 unrelated persons; In other residential zones: 3 unrelated persons.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Orono: Max occupancy is strictly limited to 3 or 5 unrelated persons depending on the zone

Safety Requirements(1)

•Orono requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Notice of Code Enforcement contact info must be posted near the interior entrance, Inspections required every three years, No parking on front yards.

Penalties(2)

•Orono: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Orono enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100/day. Daily fine: $100-$2,500. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Orono: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Orono exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Bed and breakfasts, Hotels/Motels.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

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Camden

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The Town of Camden regulates short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) through a mandatory annual licensing program and specific performance standards in the zoning ordinance. All hosts must meet safety requirements and pay the 9% Maine state lodging tax, though there is no additional local municipal tax.

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Augusta

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Augusta, ME does not currently enforce a citywide short-term rental permit system or registration, though hosts must comply with state-level lodging taxes.

0.1% total tax

Kennebunk

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Effective January 1, 2025, Kennebunk requires all short-term rental units (rentals under 15 days) to register with the Town Clerk and pass a mandatory fire safety inspection.

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Kennebunkport

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Kennebunkport requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license through the Town Clerk's office. The town enforces a cap on the number of non-owner-occupied licenses and limits owners to a maximum of two STR properties.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Orono

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(9)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Orono

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Orono?

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Orono?

3Are there local agent requirements for Orono rentals?

4What are the occupancy and parking rules in Orono?

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