Wells, Maine
Wells, ME Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Last Updated: 11/17/2025
Image source: Town of Wells Facebook
What You Need to Know
Wells changed their zoning rules in 2025 to allow an easier pathway for building ADUs. The new rules for Wells are outlined below.
Type of Permit Required
ADUs in Wells do not require special permits, and can be built using a traditional building permit. Residents are allowed to build one ADU per lot, regardless of if it’s a single-family, duplex or multi-family lot.
ADU Rules in Wells
ADUs can be a maximum of 800 square feet.
Detached ADUs cannot be less than 400 square feet.
Attached ADUs can be at minimum 190 square feet, and no more than 35% of the area of the main house.
ADUs cannot have more than three rooms and a bathroom.
ADUs may be attached, detached, or built within the main house.
Short term rentals are not allowed - the main house or the ADU can be rented with a minimum lease term of 12 months.
ADUs in Wells do not need additional parking.
Attached ADUs must maintain the architectural style of the main house.
The main house and ADU must be owned by the same person(s).
The property owner(s) must live either in the main house or the ADU.
Resources:
Brunswick, Maine
Brunswick, ME Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
City Acceptance Rating: 5/10
Last Updated: 9/23/2025
Image source: Town of Brunswick
What You Need to Know
No Development Review is required, but a safe water supply and appropriate waste management verification is needed prior to issuing a building permit.
Type of Permit Required
ADUs in Brunswick require a building permit.
ADU Rules
An accessory dwelling unit does not require Development Review.
The creation of an accessory dwelling unit shall not be counted for density purposes.
ADUs are allowed on lots used for single-family or two-family homes, either within the main house or in a detached structure.
Only one ADU is allowed per lot; any additional dwelling units must meet full density and dimensional requirements.
When possible, the ADU entrance should be located on a different side of the house than the main dwelling entrance.
An ADU may not exceed 1,100 square feet or 75 percent of the size of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. Floor area from a garage or carport that is part of the ADU does not count toward this limit.
A detached ADU may not be taller than the primary home, unless it is built above a garage and meets all dimensional requirements.
A detached ADU may not be taller than the primary home, unless it is built above a garage and meets all dimensional requirements.
The ADU must remain under the common ownership and cannot be sold separately as a condominium unit.
No permit for an accessory dwelling unit may be issued until the applicant has provided written verification from qualified professionals that the accessory dwelling
(a) will have adequate and safe water supply;
(b) will have adequate connection to wastewater services, as required by 30-A.M.R.S. §4364-B(7), as amended.
Resources:
https://www.brunswickme.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/2715?fileID=32584