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Boothbay Harbor permits STRs broadly with a 2024 registration requirement. No unit cap or primary-residence requirement. The town's economy is heavily tourism-driven (working harbor, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, summer schooner trade) and the ordinance reflects that posture. Most residentially-zoned waterfront and village parcels are eligible. Confirm subdivision covenants separately — some seasonal-community subdivisions restrict STRs by deed.
Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.
Boothbay Harbor Code Enforcement administers a lightweight registration program: annual fee, proof of liability insurance, designated local 24/7 contact, life-safety self-certification (smoke + CO + fire extinguishers + posted occupancy + parking). Operating without registration: administrative fines. Enforcement primarily complaint-driven. The town has signaled it will revisit the framework after 2-3 years of data.
Combined short-term lodging tax in Boothbay Harbor is approximately 9.000% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).
Maine State lodging tax 9% (Maine Revenue Services)
Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.
STR regulations vary by jurisdiction. Compare Boothbay Harbor against nearby markets.