York (WGME) – A proposal to regulate short-term rentals in York, Maine, was narrowly defeated by voters on Saturday. The ordinance aimed to increase safety and oversight of rentals like Airbnbs and VRBOs.

The plan required registration with the town, fire safety inspections, occupancy limits, and off-street parking for rentals. Proponents argued these measures were necessary due to safety concerns, disruptive behavior in some neighborhoods, and a lack of information on the number of short-term rentals operating in York.

Opponents, primarily rental owners, felt the ordinance was unnecessary government intervention. They pointed to York’s history of safe short-term rentals and argued the town rushed the ordinance development process without sufficient input from rental property owners.

This vote comes after York voters approved a plan in 2022 to better track short-term rentals and establish operational standards. The rejected ordinance was intended to fulfill those goals.