Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hallowell, ME

Hallowell’s Revised Code (Chapter 9) defines two categories: Private Home Short Term Rental Facility (owner resides full time; 1–2 sleeping accommodations rented for ≤30 days) and Commercial Short Term Rental Facility (3+ sleeping accommodations or units rented for ≤30 days). Commercial STRs must provide at least one 9'×18' off-street parking space per rental unit (with downtown exception proposed), at least one full bathroom per rental unit, minimum unit floor area (120 sq ft), emergency contact info in units, and must comply with State Fire Marshal life-safety codes and NFPA 101.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hallowell. 1) Submit required license/permit application to the City (Hallowell’s online application service or printed paper forms filed with the City/Code Enforcement); 2) Comply with the licensing requirements referenced in Chapter 9 (Commercial Short Term Rental Facility operators “shall be subject to the licensing requirements of Section 7-324”), provide required unit information including emergency contact details, and meet the code’s physical/unit standards and life-safety code requirements; 3) Follow any additional licensing steps/inspections specified in Section 7-324 (see official code for exact license application items).

1) Submit required license/permit application to the City (Hallowell’s online application service or printed paper forms filed with the City/Code Enforcement); 2) Comply with the licensing requirements referenced in Chapter 9 (Commercial Short Term Rental Facility operators “shall be subject to the licensing requirements of Section 7-324”), provide required unit information including emergency contact details, and meet the code’s physical/unit standards and life-safety code requirements; 3) Follow any additional licensing steps/inspections specified in Section 7-324 (see official code for exact license application items).