Short Term Rentals in Moultonboro

Lakegeezer · 01-13-2026, 11:59 AM

Moultonboro is changing the way short-term rentals will be handled. The memo is posted on the town's web site at

https://www.moultonboroughnh.gov/m/n...ome/detail/314

There will no doubt be challenges and hopefully a grace period, but on the surface, there are some changes that might be felt for the 2026 season.

Commercial Reclassification: Your property is no longer viewed as a residential "Dwelling Unit" for zoning purposes; it is now classified as a "Bed & Breakfast" (or "Function Facility" if you host events), which is a commercial use.
Double Approval Required: You must now secure both a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) and a Site Plan Review from the Planning Board. These are separate processes and strictly enforced.
Septic Cap: Your legal occupancy limit is now tied directly to your NHDES septic design capacity, not the number of beds or rooms you have available.
Grandfathering Challenge: By asserting that STRs were never compliant with the definition of a "Dwelling Unit" regarding transient guests, the Town is effectively arguing that no vested rights ("grandfathering") exist for current operators.

01-13-2026, 11:59 AM	#1
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,692 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 356 Thanked 646 Times in 294 Posts	Short Term Rentals Changes in Moultonboro Moultonboro is changing the way short-term rentals will be handled. The memo is posted on the town's web site at https://www.moultonboroughnh.gov/m/n...ome/detail/314 There will no doubt be challenges and hopefully a grace period, but on the surface, there are some changes that might be felt for the 2026 season. Commercial Reclassification: Your property is no longer viewed as a residential "Dwelling Unit" for zoning purposes; it is now classified as a "Bed & Breakfast" (or "Function Facility" if you host events), which is a commercial use. Double Approval Required: You must now secure both a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) and a Site Plan Review from the Planning Board. These are separate processes and strictly enforced. Septic Cap: Your legal occupancy limit is now tied directly to your NHDES septic design capacity, not the number of beds or rooms you have available. Grandfathering Challenge: By asserting that STRs were never compliant with the definition of a "Dwelling Unit" regarding transient guests, the Town is effectively arguing that no vested rights ("grandfathering") exist for current operators. __________________ -lg Last edited by Lakegeezer; 01-13-2026 at 03:16 PM.