Short-Term Rental Laws in Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport adopted a registration + life-safety ordinance in 2022 after the seasonal STR market grew rapidly post-2020. STR is permitted in most residential zones, but the town has signaled openness to imposing a unit cap if growth continues — track Select Board agendas. Operators must register annually, maintain a designated local responsible-party contact reachable 24/7, and meet life-safety standards. The town distinguishes between owner-occupied (lighter requirements) and non-owner-occupied (full inspection + insurance) STRs.

STR allowed in most residential zones (Village Residential, Rural Residential, Cape Porpoise Square) and resort/commercial overlays. Goose Rocks Beach and Cape Porpoise neighborhoods have additional density-based scrutiny. Confirm parcel zoning via Kennebunkport Code Enforcement before purchase. Some neighborhood associations layer covenant restrictions on top of the town ordinance.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Kennebunkport Code Enforcement administers the registration program. Annual renewal with re-inspection. Application requires proof of liability insurance, parking plan, designated 24/7 local contact (within 30 miles), life-safety certification (smoke + CO + fire extinguishers + posted occupancy). Operating without registration: fines + cease-rental order. Enforcement is primarily complaint-driven (noise, parking, trash).

Combined short-term lodging tax in Kennebunkport 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.