Convert Existing Space, Attached ADU, Detached ADU Chris Lee Convert Existing Space, Attached ADU, Detached ADU Chris Lee

Bridgton, Maine

Bridgton, ME Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 9/10

Last Updated: 11.8.2024

Image source: Town of Bridgton

What You Need to Know

One ADU is allowed per single-family, two-family, or multi-family dwelling, and it must comply with size regulations, including a minimum footprint of 190 square feet and a maximum footprint of 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling's footprint. ADUs can be constructed within the primary dwelling, in an accessory structure, or as a separate structure on the lot. Additionally, ADUs must adhere to all other zoning requirements, including those related to Shoreland Zoning.

Type of Permit Required

ADUs are allowed by right and require a building permit through the Code Enforcement Officer in Bridgton.

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.General Rules:

      • An ADU is not considered a dwelling unit for the purpose of calculating lot size or road frontage requirements, nor when applying the subdivision definition, if it complies with the standards in subsection K.

      • ADUs that do not meet these standards are considered dwelling units and must comply with all dwelling unit standards.

    • Location and Eligibility:

      • No ADU is allowed on a lot without a single-family, two-family, or multi-family dwelling.

      • One ADU is allowed per single-family, two-family, or multi-family dwelling.

    • Construction:

      • ADUs can be located within or attached to the primary dwelling, in an accessory structure, or as a separate structure on the lot.

    • Size and Design:

      • Minimum footprint of 190 square feet.

      • Maximum footprint is the lesser of:

        • 50% of the footprint of the largest dwelling on the property (single-family or the largest unit of a two-family or multi-family dwelling), or

        • 1,000 square feet.

      • ADUs cannot have more than two stories.

    • Compliance:

      • ADUs must comply with all other applicable regulations, including those in Shoreland Zoning (Chapter IV).


Resources:

https://bridgtonmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Bridgton-Land-Use-Code-Amended-2024-06-11-with-Subdiv-Regs-and-Maps-10.21.24.pdf - Page 150

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Old Orchard Beach, Maine

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

City Acceptance Rating: 9/10

Last Updated: 11.5.2024

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

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Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Cape Elizabeth, ME Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 9/10

Last Updated: 9/25/2025

What You Need to Know

Cape Elizabeth has excellent rules for accessory dwelling units with few restrictions. The ADU must be located on a property with a single-family dwelling as the primary structure. Setbacks for the ADU depend on its location within or attached to the primary dwelling or in an existing accessory structure. Additionally, the ADU cannot be used as a short-term rental.

Type of Permit Required

ADUs in Cape Elizabeth are a permitted use and require a building permit. 

ADU Rules

  • Single-family Parity: ADUs are allowed only on lots with a single-family dwelling as the principal structure.

  • Location: ADUs can be:

    • Within an existing dwelling unit,

    • Attached to or sharing a wall with the primary dwelling,

    • In a new structure or a converted accessory building (subject to accessory structure setbacks).

  • Density: ADUs are exempt from additional density or lot size requirements beyond those for the primary dwelling.

  • Setbacks:

    • ADUs attached to or built within the primary dwelling must follow the same setback and dimensional requirements for a single family home.

    • ADUs in existing accessory buildings must follow the original setbacks for those buildings.

  • Parking: No additional parking requirements beyond those for the primary dwelling.

  • Size:

    • Minimum size of 190 square feet.

    • Maximum size of 1,200 square feet and must be smaller than the primary dwelling.

  • Short-Term Rental Prohibition: ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals (effective July 10, 2024).

  • Ownership: The primary dwelling and the ADU must stay under the same ownership.

Resources:

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/capeelizabethme/Documents/Government/Governing%20Documents/Ordinances/Zoning%20Ordinance.pdf Pages 176-177

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Lyman, Maine

Lyman, ME Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

City Acceptance Rating: 9/10

Last Updated: 9.5.2024

Image Source: Town of Lyman

What You Need To Know

Lyman, Maine allows ADU’s on all single family home lots.

Type of ADU Permit Required

No permit needed if the following conditions are met.

ADU Rules

  • Only one ADU is permitted per lot.

  • The lot meets all the current dimensional requirements.

  • The ADU shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet.

  • The ADU shall be located either in the same building or an accessory building to the principal structure. If the accessory dwelling unit is located in the basement of a single family dwelling it must meet egress standards of the NFPA Life Safety Code #101 as well as all other required codes and standards.

  • Must maintain the exterior appearance of a single family home.

  • The unit must comply with all applicable building codes and expansion criteria of the Maine State Subsurface Wastewater Rules.

  • Driveways longer than two hundred (200) feet must provide an adequate emergency vehicle turnaround.

  • On street parking will not be permitted. Additional parking and turnaround space must be provided if needed.

Resources:

https://lyman-me.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TOL-Zoning_Ord_-amended_-071420.pdf - page 47 of PDF

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