All Forum Posts by: Robert Saulnier

"bunk rooms are not defined in our ordinance, nor are bedrooms. It specifically refers to “sleeping Facilities.” There are no exemption in our ordinance or in Building Code that I’m aware of stating that it’s not a bedroom if it doesn’t have a closet. I believe this to be a real estate or tax assessing definition. This Office’s interpretation of the intent of the ordinance is, and has been, that “Sleeping Facilities” refers to any room where the intent is for people to sleep." 

- response from code enforcement 

"bunk rooms are not defined in our ordinance, nor are bedrooms. It specifically refers to “sleeping Facilities.” There are no exemption in our ordinance or in Building Code that I’m aware of stating that it’s not a bedroom if it doesn’t have a closet. I believe this to be a real estate or tax assessing definition. This Office’s interpretation of the intent of the ordinance is, and has been, that “Sleeping Facilities” refers to any room where the intent is for people to sleep."

Response from code enforcement - just realized I created another post about the same topic - still not much clarity on the legalities of this 

Septic is expensive to replace and limits the bedroom potential of a property. Stone and pipe systems can lost 50/60 years where as the newer systems are usually good for 20/25. Make sure you get it inspected prior to buying! 

Considering investing in property where I would like to get more "heads in beds" by adding a "bunk room" in the basement. This is based off a house on 4 bedroom septic which has 4 legal bed rooms. There is a finished basement and bonus room above the garage, I've been to many rentals that advertise 4 beds but sleeps 16, you go down in the basement and there are like 14 beds down there. What is the legality of this? Where is the risk not worth taking when adding beds to certain areas/rooms? 

I can't find any documentation online that really tackles this question. Trying to do everything by the book is pretty difficult but I also don't want to put any investments at risk. 

Thanks guys, the property I am interested in is in southern Maine. When I spoke to the town about adding beds they said we would have to add to the septic but of course they would right? I'm wondering the legalities of "not having a closet" and could their be potential fees? Maine takes their shoreland very serious so I would imagine they would try to jam you up pretty good for attempting to get around the regulation. 

Hey guys, interested in investing in a large short term rental property that is currently 4 beds. I would like to have this sleep as many as possible of course and curious if anyone knows the rules/loop holes with creating bunk rooms and if you actually have to register them as bedrooms with the town. If this is true then we would have to add onto/replace septic system which is costly. Anyone have experience with this?