Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Old Orchard Beach, ME Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 9/10

Last Updated: 11.5.2024

Image source: Take Me 2 Old Orchard Beach Maine

What You Need to Know

Old Orchard, Maine has generous ADU rules and a few restrictions that you need to know. A maximum of 1,000 square feet not exceeding 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area is the size allowable. 2 additional parking spaces are required only for units over 600 square feet. Additionally, the ADU must comply with local utility requirements, including proof of adequate sewer, septic, and water services, ensuring that both the ADU and primary dwelling are properly supported.

Type of Permit Required

Applications for ADUs must go through administrative site plan review. 

ADU Rules

• Size & Floor Area:

  • Minimum floor area of 190 square feet.

  • Maximum floor area of 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, whichever is smaller.

  • ADU cannot have more than two bedrooms.

  • Floor area excludes unfinished attic, basement, or cellar spaces.

  • Floor area is measured from the interior faces of the walls.

• Location & Setbacks:

  • Detached ADUs must meet the same setbacks as the principal residential structure and cannot exceed the height of the primary dwelling.

  • ADUs within the same structure or attached to the primary dwelling must meet the dimensional requirements for the district.

  • ADUs cannot be constructed in existing detached accessory structures.

  • ADUs outside of shoreland zones are not considered additional dwelling units for lot area or residential density calculations.

• Parking Requirements:

  • No additional parking required for ADUs under 600 square feet, though additional parking should be provided as needed.

  • ADUs over 600 square feet must provide two additional off-street parking spaces.

  • Off-street parking spaces cannot be eliminated to convert an attached garage into an ADU.

• Utilities:

  • If connected to public sewer, both the ADU and primary dwelling must be connected, with proof of adequate service.

  • If using a septic system, the system must meet Maine’s Minimum Lot Size law and state rules for subsurface wastewater disposal.

  • If connected to public water, proof of adequate service is required. If using a well, proof of potable water is needed.

Resources:

https://library.municode.com/me/old_orchard_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH78ZO_ARTVIIIPEST_DIV2BUST_S78-1383ACDWUN