Cape Elizabeth residents wanting to earn a little extra money can now do so by turning their homes into bed and breakfasts.

The Cape Elizabeth Town Council Monday night voted unanimously to change zoning to allow bed and breakfasts in established residential districts.

The decision came after about 20 minutes of public and Town Council discussion.

“I think this town needs to have more bed-and-breakfasts,” Cape resident Carl Pearson said. “We have a beautiful town that people want to visit, but we lose them overnight to Portland.”

The changes allow bed-and-breakfast establishments in residential zones with frontage on Shore Road or Route 77.

The maximum number of rooms allowed would depend on the size of the lot, with no more than nine rooms allowed. Guests will be allowed to stay a maximum of 14 days.

The owner of the home would be required to operate the business and maintain it as his or her primary residence.

Bed and breakfasts were previously allowed in the town center zone only.

The town had two rounds of public hearings to discuss zoning amendments.

The Planning Board has studied the zoning ordinance during the past year and recommended the revisions to the Town Council. The Town Council’s ordinance subcommittee on Dec. 15 voted 3-0 to recommend the amendments to the full council.

Not every resident was convinced Monday night, however, that the Town Council should have approved the zoning changes.

“We choose to live in these residential neighborhoods because they are our personal and private sanctuaries where we know our neighbors and our kids play,” said Cape resident Katherine Miller. “I don’t feel this is something Cape needs, and I don’t think a majority of the residents support this.”

Town Council member David Backer said he understood Miller’s feelings, but that the ordinance committee, in which he sat, worked hard to develop the zoning changes and this was the best solution the town could develop.

“We have spent a lot of time on this issue,” Backer said. “Unfortunately, it’s a situation where we hear people saying they think bed and breakfasts would be good for the town as long as it’s not in their backyard. We feel, after spending many, many hours on the subject, that this is a good change.”

The ordinance committee is also reviewing zoning changes that would allow bed and breakfasts in the BA business district.