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  1. Home
  2. ·
  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Maine
  6. ·
  7. York

York

Moderate
MaineUpdated Feb 10, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

The Town of York, Maine, requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to be licensed annually under Article 12. Hosts must pay a $200 annual fee, provide proof of $500,000 liability insurance, and adhere to strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Restriction level

Severity 18
Classification
Moderate
18
Severity

Why this classification

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

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in York, you must get a permit from the Town every year. You'll need to pay a $200 fee and prove you have at least $500,000 in insurance coverage. You also need to show that your septic system (if you have one) can handle the number of guests you want to host. Guests are limited to 2 per bedroom plus 2 extra, and you must post your emergency contact info and house rules inside the home. Stays of 30 days or more do not need this permit.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$200
Processing time2-4 weeks

8 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1York does not have a local TOT; you only pay the 9% Maine State Lodging Tax.
  2. 2The license number must be displayed in all advertisements and online listings.
  3. 3Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people.
  4. 4Self-inspections are required, and the town may perform audit inspections.
  5. 5Septic systems limit your maximum occupancy regardless of bedroom count.
  6. 6Failure to register can result in daily fines starting at $100.
  7. 7Check your HOA or deed restrictions, as the Town permit does not override them.
  8. 8Verify you are within the Town of York limits and not an adjacent town like Wells or Kittery.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility5 rules
  • York: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
  • York: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
  • York allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family, Accessory dwelling units (restrictions apply).
Requirements15 rules
  • York STR warning: Self-inspections are required, and the town may perform audit inspections.
  • York requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Insurance must specifically cover short-term rental activity.
  • York: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
Application process8 rules
  • York STR permit - Step 1: Verify Eligibility. Ensure property meets safety requirements and you have adequate insurance. Time: 1 day.
  • York STR permit - Step 4: Wait for Approval. The Town will review the application and safety self-certification. Time: 2-4 weeks.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • York charges a registration fee of $200 (annual).
Taxes2 rules
  • York: York does not have a local TOT; you only pay the 9% Maine State Lodging Tax.
  • ME has a state sales tax of 0.09% that applies to STR rentals.
Limits & restrictions7 rules
  • York enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
  • York: Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people.
  • York: Verify you are within the Town of York limits and not an adjacent town like Wells or Kittery.
  • York: Septic systems limit your maximum occupancy regardless of bedroom count.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • York requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Operational flashlight per floor, Posted floor plan with exits.
Penalties3 rules
  • York: Failure to register can result in daily fines starting at $100.
  • York: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Exemptions2 rules
  • York: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • York exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Licensed hotels, Licensed bed and breakfasts.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for York

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Eligibility

Ensure property meets safety requirements and you have adequate insurance.

1 day
Official resource
Step 2

Register on GovOS Portal

Create an account on the Town's registration portal and upload required documents.

30 mins
Documents needed
  • Proof of Insurance
  • Septic capacity info
Official resource
Step 3

Pay Annual Fee

Pay the non-refundable $200 license fee through the portal.

5 mins$200
Step 4

Wait for Approval

The Town will review the application and safety self-certification.

2-4 weeks

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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