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Maine Statewide Rule

Maine Tiny Home Code Recognized Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maine (2026)

Key Facts

Code section
IRC Appendix Q
Maximum size
400 square feet
Foundation type
Permanent required
THOW status
Treated as RV
Authority
10 MRSA 9722
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Maine Legislature

Summary

Maine adopted Appendix Q of the International Residential Code through MUBEC, providing statewide construction standards for tiny houses 400 square feet and under. The standards apply uniformly in all code-adopting municipalities across Maine.

§4363. Regulation of tiny homes 1. Definition. For the purposes of this section, "tiny home" has the same meaning as in Title 29-A, section 101, subsection 80-C. [PL 2021, c. 219, §1 (NEW).] 2. Location of tiny homes. A municipality shall permit a tiny home to be placed or erected on an individual house lot where single-family dwellings are allowed or as an accessory structure, subject to all applicable land use requirements as single-family dwellings or as an accessory structure. [PL 2021, c. 219, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2021, c. 219, §1 (NEW). The Revisor's Office cannot provide legal advice or interpretation of Maine law to the public.

Source: Maine LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code under 10 MRSA section 9722 incorporates IRC Appendix Q, which sets construction standards for tiny houses on permanent foundations 400 square feet or less. Loft ceiling heights, ladder access, and emergency egress requirements are explicitly modified for tiny homes. Tiny houses on wheels are regulated as recreational vehicles under 29-A MRSA section 101 and cannot serve as permanent dwellings unless local zoning expressly allows. Municipalities cannot impose building standards inconsistent with MUBEC for tiny homes on foundations.

Violations & Penalties

MUBEC violations carry fines up to $1,000 per offense. Occupying a tiny house on wheels as a permanent dwelling without zoning approval can trigger local zoning enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 MUBEC tiny home code apply in towns without zoning?
MUBEC building standards apply in towns over 4,000 population and in any town that has voluntarily adopted the code. Smaller towns may follow local rules.

Sources

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