SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Voters in a Maine city have approved new rules restricting short-term rentals through services such as Airbnb.
The Portland Press Herald reports South Portland residents approved the regulations Tuesday by a margin of about 1,000 votes.
City Manager Scott Morelli said Wednesday the regulations will go into effect Jan. 1.
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The new rules require that all short-term rentals are inspected, insured and licensed by the city. Single-family homeowners are limited to renting their homes for up to 14 days a year while they are on vacation.
Supporters of the regulations say they will help preserve the city’s neighborhoods. Opponents argued the rules would put most short-term rental operators out of businesses.
The leader of a group that opposed the ordinances declined to comment on the referendum.
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