Short-Term Rental ad hoc Committee

Charge to Ad Hoc Short-Term Rental Committee

October 15, 2024

In response to concerns expressed by residents about the effects of short-term rentals on both water quality and quality of life in Belgrade, the Board of Selectpersons formed the Ad Hoc Short-Term Rental Committee.  The charge to this committee is to look at specific concerns - overloading of septic systems, excessive noise, excessive numbers of vehicles blocking camp roads and impeding the passage of emergency vehicles – and determine whether the Town might want to consider regulating short-term rentals as some other Maine communities are doing.

• Look at pros and cons of regulating short-term rentals, including properties outside the shoreland zone.
• Look at issues of septic systems (number of occupants vs. capacity of septic systems; regular maintenance; inspections).
• How do we balance need to protect the environment and way of life with rights of property owners?
• Should the Town compile a list of best practices/regulations for owners to distribute to renters?
• Regulation and enforcement – would the Town need to add staff to handle additional workload?
• Committee will consist of at least five members including one realtor.
• Committee reports to Board of Selectpersons with recommendations.

Letters of support - Short-term Rentals

* Belgrade Lakes Association

*Chief Coopers Position on Short-Term Rentals