What should Kennebunk hosts know about definition of str is any?

Definition of STR is any stay under 15 days, which is shorter than many neighboring towns.

What should Kennebunk hosts know about accessory dwelling units (adus) are?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are explicitly eligible for STR registration.

What are the key requirements for Kennebunk hosts?

Registrations are non-transferable; a new owner must re-apply immediately upon property transfer.

What should Kennebunk hosts know about evidence of hoa permission is?

Evidence of HOA permission is mandatory if the property is part of an association.

Kennebunk, Maine Short-Term Rental Registration Requirements

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 18 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $250
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

Property owners must register their short-term rentals annually with the Town Clerk and pay a $250 initial fee. The process includes a required fire safety inspection and strict documentation display requirements, including a Good Neighbor Guide and Fire Safety Tips.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Kennebunk prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational Vehicle, Trailer, Tent.
•Kennebunk: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Kennebunk does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(12)

•Kennebunk STR warning: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are explicitly eligible for STR registration.
•Kennebunk: Definition of STR is any stay under 15 days, which is shorter than many neighboring towns.
•Kennebunk: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are explicitly eligible for STR registration.
•Kennebunk: Evidence of HOA permission is mandatory if the property is part of an association.

Application Process(9)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Kennebunk: Step 1: Complete Registration Form - Download the Short-Term Rental Registration Form from the Kennebunk town website or visit the Town Clerk's office at 1 Summer Street. Documents needed: Registration Form. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/str Step 2: Submit Application and Fee - Submit the completed registration form and the $250 registration fee to the Town Clerk's Office. Ensure you provide evidence that the HOA does not prohibit STRs if applicable. Documents needed: HOA Letter (if applicable), Check payable to Town of Kennebunk. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 250. More info: https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/str Step 3: Schedule Fire Inspection - Upon submission, Kennebunk Fire Rescue will contact you to schedule an inspection. You can also contact them at (207) 985-2102 Ext. 1633 to coordinate. Estimated time: 30-45 days. More info: https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/str Step 4: Post Required Safety Materials - Once approved, you must clearly display the Registration Certificate, the Kennebunk Good Neighbor Guide, and the Fire Safety document inside the rental unit. Documents needed: Good Neighbor Guide, Fire Safety Tips. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/str

Fees & Costs(1)

•Kennebunk charges a registration fee of $250 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Renewal fee is $150 per year.).

Taxes(2)

•Kennebunk charges a Maine Lodging Tax of 0.09%. This applies to stays under 28 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the 9% Maine lodging tax directly.
•Maine has a state sales tax of 0.055% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Kennebunk limits stays to a maximum of 14 nights.
•Kennebunk occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests for the dwelling. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Kennebunk enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Kennebunk requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress must meet fire codes, Posted Fire Safety Tips document, Posted Good Neighbor Guide.

Penalties(2)

•Kennebunk enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 per day. Second offense: License Revocation. Third offense: N/A. Daily fine: $100. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Kennebunk: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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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.

Kennebunk

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

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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Kennebunk

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 Kennebunk?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Kennebunk?

3Are there rental night limits in Kennebunk?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Kennebunk?

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