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Is Airbnb legal in Bar Harbor, Maine?

Investor rentals allowed but capped with a waitlist. Bar Harbor's VR-2 category covers whole units that are not the owner's primary residence, at $275 a year with a life-safety inspection before registration and every three years after. VR-2 registrations are capped at 9% of the town's dwelling units, so expect a waitlist when the cap is full.

Showing the researched rules for Bar Harbor, ME below. Type your Bar Harbor address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Investor rentals allowed but capped with a waitlist

Bar Harbor's VR-2 category covers whole units that are not the owner's primary residence, at $275 a year with a life-safety inspection before registration and every three years after. VR-2 registrations are capped at 9% of the town's dwelling units, so expect a waitlist when the cap is full.

Permit and costs

Permit
Vacation Rental Registration (VR-2)
Issued by
Town of Bar Harbor, Code Enforcement
Cost
$275 / year
Renewal
Annual (expires May 31)

Key limits

VR-2 cap
9% of town dwelling units; waitlist when full
Inspection
life-safety inspection before registration, every 3 years
Minimum stay
4 nights for VR-2
Non-transferable
registration does not transfer on sale

Taxes

Maine lodging tax
9%

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Check cap availability
    Confirm VR-2 slots are available; the 9% cap can put new applicants on a waitlist.
  2. 2
    Apply for VR-2
    File the VR-2 application with Code Enforcement and pay the $275 fee.
  3. 3
    Pass inspection
    Pass the life-safety inspection and post the registration card on the premises.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
HOA and condo rules can still restrict STRs.
2025 revision
The town revised the ordinance effective December 2025; older VR-1/VR-2 writeups may be stale.

Sources

Checkmate Maine STR regulations · STRProfitMap Bar Harbor

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.