Environmental Rules in Maine (2026)
15 rules on the books across Maine, 2 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Stormwater Management
Requirements for managing rainwater runoff on your property, including retention basins, permeable surfaces, and drainage plans.
Maine: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsMaine 38 MRS § 420-D requires Maine DEP approval before constructing any project with one acre or more of disturbed…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsPortland requires an approved post-construction stormwater management plan and best management practices (BMPs) before…
Read full rule →Skowhegan
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, a non-residential project that needs site plan review must file a Stormwater…
Read full rule →Erosion Control
Rules to prevent soil erosion during construction and landscaping, including required sediment barriers and ground cover standards.
Maine: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsPer 38 MRS § 420-C, any person filling, displacing or exposing soil in Maine must prevent unreasonable erosion of soil…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsGrading, filling and excavation within Portland's Shoreland Overlay Zone that requires a permit and disturbs soil…
Read full rule →Skowhegan
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, any permitted filling, grading or excavation inside the shoreland zone needs a written…
Read full rule →Coastal Development
Building restrictions near coastlines, including setbacks from the water, dune protection rules, and coastal commission permits.
Flood Zones
Building requirements for properties in FEMA flood zones, including elevation standards, flood insurance mandates, and construction limits.
Maine: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsMaine has no single statewide floodplain code; instead, 30-A MRS authorizes municipalities to adopt FEMA-compliant…
Read full rule →Skowhegan
Significant RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, any construction or other development inside the FEMA-mapped Zones A and AE needs a…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsAny construction, filling, grading or other development in a Portland special flood hazard area needs a Flood Hazard…
Read full rule →Boat Dock Permits
Permits required to build or modify boat docks, lifts, and davits on waterfront properties, including size limits, setbacks, and environmental reviews.
Portland
Some RestrictionsDocks, piers, and wharves in Portland's Shoreland Overlay Zone, which reaches 250 feet inland from tidal and river…
Read full rule →Skowhegan
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, a dock, pier or wharf must be no larger than necessary for its activity, and no new…
Read full rule →Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Limits on how long heavy-duty vehicles, buses, and passenger cars may idle, including bans near schools and residential areas.
Flood Elevation Requirements
FEMA NFIP minimum base flood elevation (BFE) construction standards for properties in mapped flood zones, including freeboard requirements above BFE.
Skowhegan
Significant RestrictionsIn the Town of Skowhegan, Maine, a new or substantially improved residential structure in Zone AE needs its lowest…
Read full rule →Portland
Some RestrictionsNew residential construction and substantial improvements in Portland's Zones AE, AO and AH must set the lowest floor…
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