In Bartlett, a proposed warrant article aimed at regulating short-term rentals (STRs) was unanimously rejected by the Planning Board after receiving criticisms from selectmen and the public. The article, if passed, would have required STR owners to apply for a conditional use permit, adhere to National Fire Protection Association safety standards, and handle taxes and insurance appropriately. However, concerns about enforceability and legality, particularly regarding insurance requirements and tax collection, led to its dismissal. Selectmen and residents raised issues about the practicality of enforcing such regulations, the potential for expensive litigation, and the fairness of treating STRs differently from long-term rentals. Suggestions for a more educational approach towards safety codes and alternative certification for STRs as "renter-friendly" were also discussed. Ultimately, the planning board decided against moving the article forward due to these concerns and the tight timeline for warrant articles.
Read the full story: https://www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/bartlett-planners-shelve-str-article-following-pushback/article_7c4096aa-c4ed-11ee-b63f-cf5d9ef492ae.html