Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cornish, ME

Airbnb listings are allowed in Cornish, ME, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined but not explicitly listed in the Table of Permissible Uses; related lodging uses (Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels) are restricted to VC, HD, and CD districts with conditional use/site-plan review. For any land use not specifically listed, the Code Enforcement Officer and/or Planning Board determine the appropriate permit and procedure. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are defined but not explicitly listed in the Table of Permissible Uses; related lodging uses (Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels) are restricted to VC, HD, and CD districts with conditional use/site-plan review. For any land use not specifically listed, the Code Enforcement Officer and/or Planning Board determine the appropriate permit and procedure.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cornish. 1) Contact the Town Code Enforcement Officer to determine if the STR use is allowed in the property's zone and what permit is required. 2) Submit a building/use permit application to the Code Enforcement Officer. 3) If required, apply to the Planning Board for conditional use or site-plan review, including notices to abutters and payment of fees.

1) Contact the Town Code Enforcement Officer to determine if the STR use is allowed in the property's zone and what permit is required. 2) Submit a building/use permit application to the Code Enforcement Officer. 3) If required, apply to the Planning Board for conditional use or site-plan review, including notices to abutters and payment of fees.

Vrbo is permitted in Cornish, ME under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Cornish are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Cornish. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.