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Council approves innkeepers license for Rooted Bank Properties LLC; enforcement of short‑term rental rules questioned
Summary
The council voted unanimously to approve an innkeepers license for Rooted Bank Properties LLC, while councilors raised concerns that the citys code may not be consistently enforced for non‑owner‑occupied short‑term rentals and asked staff to notify potentially affected operators.
The Hallowell City Council unanimously approved an innkeepers license for Rooted Bank Properties LLC after staff summarized the ordinance provisions governing short‑term and commercial short‑term rentals.
Ross told the council that the citys code contains licensing requirements for commercial short‑term rental operators, referencing the innkeepers and victuallers license sections and noting previously issued commercial licenses. “There are provisions for short term rentals and more specifically commercial short term rentals,” Ross said while citing ordinance sections.
Councilor Gannon and Councilor Cooper warned the council that many non‑owner‑occupied short‑term rentals appear not to be complying with the ordinances licensing and parking requirements; Councilor Gannon said the provision requiring an off‑street parking space per dwelling likely is not being followed citywide and estimated there could be dozens of non‑compliant units. The council discussed enforcement workload and the need to notify operators who qualify for licensing.
Councilor McGee moved to approve the innkeepers license; Councilor Gagnon seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The chair said staff should confirm licensing status and notify other operators who may be subject to the requirement.
