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Planning board approves short‑term homestay at 35 Forest Avenue with registration and inspection conditions
Summary
The board approved converting a two‑bedroom unit at 35 Forest Ave into a Homestay 2 short‑term rental (maximum two guests) and attached conditions requiring town registration prior to occupancy and inspections by code enforcement and the Orono Fire Department.
The Orono Planning Board voted March 18 to approve a minor site‑plan application to convert an existing two‑bedroom residential unit at 35 Forest Ave into a Homestay 2 short‑term rental.
Joyce Lin, representing 354 FS Real Estate LLC, described the proposal as a no‑construction change of use that will host a maximum of two guests, maintain the exterior appearance, provide a local property manager contact, adhere to quiet hours and register for state and local taxes. "We are asking for your approval...because we believe we can be a model operator for how homestays should work in Orono," Lin said.
Board members asked staff about references in the standard conditions to a building permit for a project that involves no construction. EJ Roach, the town planner, clarified that the applicant must register the unit with the town prior to occupancy and that the applicant or lead contractor must schedule an inspection with the code enforcement officer and the Orono Fire Department before occupancy. The board edited standard conditions accordingly and approved the application; the motion included amended conditions specifying registration prior to occupancy and required inspections.
The board recorded the motion and vote in favor; the chair called for 'all those in favor' and the motion carried. No online public comments were recorded during the public hearing.
