Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Wells, ME?

**Yes**, Wells requires a Short-Term Rental Registration. You need to register annually with the Town Clerk. The fee is $200 if you live at the property, or $400 if you do not. Make sure to provide proof of off-street parking for your guests.

How much does an STR permit cost in Wells, ME?

**$200-$400** is the cost for a Short-Term Rental Registration in Wells, Maine. The fee is $200 if the property is your primary residence. If the property is not your primary residence, the fee is $400 annually. Contact the Town Clerk for more details.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Wells, ME?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb in Wells, Maine. Only property owners can register and operate a short-term rental. Renters must have permission from the property owner and comply with local regulations and the landlord's policies to host.

Wells, ME Short-Term Rental Laws &... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

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Summary

The Town of Wells requires all short-term rentals to register annually with the Town Clerk. Regulations adopted in 2023 established a two-tier fee system and strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 21 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $200
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Wells, you must register your property with the town every year. You will need to pay a fee ($200 if you live there, $400 if you don't) and show that you have enough off-street parking for your guests. You are also required to register with the state of Maine to handle the 9% lodging tax, though platforms like Airbnb usually collect this for you. Make sure you don't exceed the guest limit, which is generally 2 people per bedroom plus two extra people total.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your property is in the Town of Wells and not unincorporated Wells County or neighboring Ogunquit.
2.The 2023 ordinance requires a 'Local Contact Person' available 24/7 who can respond within 60 minutes.
3.Parking is strictly regulated; you must provide 1 off-street spot per bedroom.
4.The registration expires on December 31st every year, regardless of when you applied.
5.Non-owner occupied units pay double the registration fee of primary residences.
6.Occupancy limits are tied to your septic system capacity if you are not on town sewer.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Wells does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Wells: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Wells allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family, Condos.
•Wells: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(16)

•Wells: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Wells: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Wells: Verify your property is in the Town of Wells and not unincorporated Wells County or neighboring Ogunquit.

Application Process(7)

•Wells STR permit - Step 3: Town Inspection. The Code Enforcement Officer may schedule an inspection to verify life safety requirements. Time: 1 week.
•Wells: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of Ownership, Site Plan/Parking Plan, Trash Disposal Plan, Self-Inspection Checklist, Proof of State Sales Tax Registration.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Wells: Non-owner occupied units pay double the registration fee of primary residences.
•Wells charges a registration fee of $200 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $400 (Non-owner occupied units pay a higher annual fee ($400) compared to owner-occupied ($200).).

Taxes(1)

•ME has a state sales tax of 9% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Wells enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
•Wells limits STRs to a maximum of 2 guests. Formula: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed local septic/occupancy limits.
•Wells occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed local septic/occupancy limits.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Wells requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Posted evacuation map.

Penalties(2)

•Wells enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 - $2,500 per day. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: Yes. Maximum fine: $5,000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Wells: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Wells

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(7)

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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Wells

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 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 Wells, ME?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Wells, ME?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Wells, ME?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Wells, ME?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Wells, ME?

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