The City of Ellsworth’s Code Enforcement Office works to keep our community safe, resilient, and well cared for. We guide and enforce regulations related to building, land use, and property maintenance – helping ensure that development is safe, thoughtful, and aligned with local and state standards.

Beyond compliance, our work supports a bigger picture: protecting public health and safety, preserving the character of our neighborhoods, and promoting responsible stewardship of Ellsworth’s natural resources. By working collaboratively with residents, contractors, and property owners, we help balance growth with sustainability ensuring that Ellsworth remains a vibrant place to live, work, and invest for years to come.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you have a project in the planning phase or just need to gather information for a project that’s still in the dream phase, contact us for guidance

• Permit Applications
• Schedule and carry out Inspections
• Help you review local Codes and Ordinances

We’d love your feedback!

The City of Ellsworth’s Code Enforcement team is looking for your input. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey.

👉 Take the survey by clicking here!

Help Shape the Conversation Around Short-Term Rentals in Ellsworth

Short-term rentals have become an increasingly important part of Ellsworth’s housing, tourism, and local economy. As the number of rentals has grown, the City is taking time to better understand both the opportunities and the challenges they present.

We’re asking residents, property owners, visitors, and anyone with an interest in this topic to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help the City better understand community perspectives as we gather information and consider what, if any, next steps may be appropriate.

Why are we asking?

• Short-term rentals have grown significantly. Preliminary estimates suggest there are between 700 and 1,000 short-term rental units operating in Ellsworth today, compared to only a few hundred about five years ago. These estimates are based on available third-party data and are intended to provide general context rather than an exact count.
• The City is exploring a registration program. One option under consideration is a registration and data collection system that would help the City better understand where short-term rentals are located, how they affect housing availability, tourism, local businesses, and the community, and how they compare to other commercial activities.
• A registration fee is being considered. A modest fee could help cover the cost of administering the program, including staff time and basic life-safety reviews related to smoke and fire detection, occupancy limits, and adequate septic capacity.
• No decisions have been made. The City is not currently proposing broader regulations or restrictions on short-term rentals. We are in the information-gathering stage and are seeking community input before any decisions are considered.

Your feedback will help inform future discussions by City staff and the City Council.

Take the survey today: CLICK HERE