Saco, Maine

Saco regulates short-term and seasonal rentals primarily through its Seasonal Property Rental ordinance, which applies to a defined coastal district around Camp Ellis (east of Seaside Avenue and Camp Ellis Avenue, plus 400 feet west of their centerlines). Owners renting dwellings in that zone for six days to four months must obtain a Seasonal Rental License from the Code Enforcement Officer, passing Fire Code, Building Code, and Life-Safety Code inspections, having fewer than three documented complaints in the prior year, and being current on property taxes and city fees. Each licensed unit may be occupied by only one family per rental period and may not be sublet; there is no owner-occupancy or primary-residence requirement. Maine imposes a statewide 9% lodging tax on rentals under 28 days; Saco levies no separate local occupancy tax, and rentals of fewer than 15 days per year are generally exempt from the state tax. Enforcement is rated moderate. Outside the Camp Ellis seasonal district, STRs fall under general zoning rather than this specific ordinance; the city has publicly discussed broader short-term rental rules but had not adopted a citywide STR ordinance as of the latest available data. Confirm current status with Saco Code Enforcement before purchase.