Where do I apply for an ADU permit in Maine?

The local municipal code-enforcement office. Maine does not issue ADU permits at the state level. The local CEO reviews the application against MUBEC building-code standards, local zoning that conforms to 30-A MRS § 4364-A, the Shoreland Zone if applicable, and floodplain rules.

Can a Maine city ban ADUs in single-family neighborhoods?

No. 30-A MRS § 4364-A expressly preempts local bans on ADUs in any zone permitting single-family dwellings. Every Maine municipality SHALL allow at least one ADU as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling.

Can my Maine town block me from converting my garage into a small apartment?

Not as a blanket ban. If the converted space qualifies as an ADU, 30-A MRS § 4364-A requires the municipality to allow at least one ADU per single-family lot. The municipality may still require a building permit and impose code-compliant construction standards.

Do I need a building permit for a small backyard shed in Maine?

Under the statewide MUBEC code (incorporating IRC § R105.2), one-story detached sheds 200 square feet or smaller without plumbing or electrical are exempt from the building-permit requirement. Larger sheds, sheds with utilities, and sheds in the Shoreland Zone or floodplain require a permit.

Can I live full-time in a tiny house on wheels in Maine?

State law treats tiny homes on wheels as RVs. Permanent occupancy depends on local zoning, which usually limits RV residency to 120 days or specific RV parks.

Does Maine have an animal hoarding law?

Not as a standalone offense. Animal hoarding in Maine is prosecuted under 17 MRS § 1031 (Cruelty to animals) — specifically the neglect prong covering failure to provide sustenance, medical attention, proper shelter, or humanely clean conditions — and the care-standard statute 7 MRS § 4015.

Do I have to register my beehives with the State of Maine?

Yes. Under 7 MRS Chapter 740, beekeepers must register movable-comb hives with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Apiary Program. The state inspector may examine the apiary for American Foulbrood and other regulated diseases.

Can a Maine city ban pit bulls?

No. 7 MRS § 3950 expressly states: 'Municipalities may not adopt breed-specific ordinances, laws or regulations.' Any such municipal ordinance is invalid statewide.

Does Maine state law allow backyard chickens?

Maine state law neither authorizes nor prohibits backyard chickens — the decision belongs to each municipality under 30-A MRS § 3001 home-rule authority. Most Maine cities permit 4-8 hens (no roosters) on residential lots with coop setback rules; check the local zoning code.

Does Maine state law require dogs to be on a leash?

Maine state law (7 MRS § 3911-A) prohibits dogs running at large but does not specify a leash length. The operative leash rule (typically 6 feet) is set by municipal ordinance under home-rule authority — and municipalities may go stricter than state law but never weaker (7 MRS § 3950).

Can I keep an exotic pet in Maine without a permit?

Only if the species is on the IF&W unrestricted list (most common parrots, domestic ferrets, domestic-bred small mammals, and limited numbers of native reptiles/amphibians). Anything else — large constrictors, venomous reptiles, exotic cats, primates, raptors — requires a Category 1 or Category 2 wildlife-in-captivity permit under 12 MRS § 12152.

Can I feed deer in my backyard in Maine?

Recreational deer feeding is generally permitted in Maine outside CWD management zones, but IF&W may prohibit feeding that creates a public-safety nuisance or attracts predators. In CWD zones, feeding is prohibited entirely. Always check current IF&W rules at maine.gov/ifw.

How much of a Maine shoreland lot can I cover with buildings and pavement?

No more than 20 percent of the lot area within the shoreland zone may be non-vegetated surface, including all structures, decks, driveways, and patios under DEP Chapter 1000.

How far from a Maine lake must a new house be built?

Principal structures must sit at least 100 feet horizontally from the normal high-water line of any great pond under the state Shoreland Zoning Act, regardless of which town the lot is in.

Does Maine cap building height near lakes and rivers statewide?

Yes, DEP shoreland guidelines limit principal structures to 35 feet within 250 feet of great ponds, rivers, and tidal waters, and that cap applies in every Maine municipality.

Maine Ordinances (2026)

Browse local rules across Maine counties and cities. Pick a county or topic below to see the rules that apply.

Maine has 1 cities and 1 counties in our database. Local ordinances in Maine operate alongside state law, and cities often set their own rules for noise, parking, fencing, short-term rentals, and other topics that directly affect residents.

Maine Statewide Rules(119 rules)

These rules apply uniformly across Maine. State law preempts local regulation on these topics, so cities and counties must follow these statewide standards.

Severity: Permissive (allowed) · Moderate (some limits) · Strict (prohibited or heavily restricted)

ADU Permits

Few Restrictions

ADU construction in Maine requires a local building permit issued by the municipal code-enforcement officer under the…

Maine Ordinances (2026)

Maine Statewide Rules(119 rules)

ADU Permits

ADU Rules

Garage Conversions

Shed Rules

Tiny Homes

Animal Hoarding

Beekeeping

Breed Restrictions

Chickens & Livestock

Dog Leash Laws

Exotic Pets

Wildlife Feeding

Lot Coverage Limits

Setback Rules

Structure Height Limits

Dispensary Zoning

Home Cultivation

Juvenile Curfew

Commercial Drones

Park Drone Restrictions

Recreational Drones

Minimum Wage Preemption

Paid Leave Preemption

Worker Scheduling Preemption

Coastal Development

Erosion Control

Flood Zones

Grading & Drainage

Stormwater Management

Height Limits

Approved Materials

Neighbor Fence Rules

Pool Barriers

Retaining Walls

Brush Clearance

Fire Pit Rules

Fireworks

Outdoor Burning

Propane Storage

Wildfire Zones

Concealed Carry

Local Firearms Preemption

Open Carry

Firearms in Vehicles

Food Truck Permits

Assessment & Dues

Board Procedures

CC&R Enforcement

HOA Fines & Enforcement

HOA vs. City Rules

Cottage Food Operations

Home Daycare

Zoning Restrictions

E-Verify Mandates

Sanctuary Policy Preemption

Composting

Grass Height Limits

Rainwater Harvesting

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tree Trimming

Water Restrictions

Weed Ordinances

Aircraft Noise

Amplified Music & Events

Barking Dogs

Construction Hours

Decibel Limits

Industrial Noise

Leaf Blower Rules

Outdoor Music

Quiet Hours

Vehicle Noise

Abandoned Vehicles

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Driveway Rules

EV Charging

Overnight Parking

RV & Boat Parking