ADU Town Regulations
Alfred, ME
Jun 15, 2024
Last Updated
About
Alfred, Maine, is a quaint and historic town located in York County, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming rural atmosphere. As the county seat, Alfred has a rich history and is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Alfred Shaker Museum and home to part of the Massabesic Experimental Forest. Surrounded by forests, ponds, and farmlands, the town offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and a peaceful lifestyle. Its central location in southern Maine makes it a convenient spot for residents who enjoy rural living with easy access to nearby towns and coastal attractions. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 3,073.
ADU Rules
As an accessory use to a single-family dwelling, the creation of one (1) unit within, attached, or detached from the single-family dwelling is permitted, provided the following conditions below are met.
An accessory dwelling unit may be constructed only:
Within an existing dwelling unit on the lot.
Attached to or sharing a wall with a single-family dwelling unit.
As a new structure on the lot for the primary purpose of creating an accessory dwelling unit.
The accessory dwelling unit shall be at least 190 square feet but no larger than 576 square feet if attached or no more than 400 square feet if detached and the primary residence for each accessory dwelling unit must be owner occupied.
The water and sewage facilities meet all existing laws and codes. The owner of an accessory dwelling unit shall provide written verification that the unit is connected to adequate water and wastewater supply. Written verification must include:
If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a public, special district or other comparable sewer system, proof of adequate service to support additional flow created by the accessory dwelling unit and proof of payment for the connection to the sewer system.
If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a septic system, proof of adequate sewage disposal for subsurface wastewater. The septic system must be verified as adequate by a local plumbing inspector. Plans for subsurface wastewater disposal must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator in accordance with subsurface wastewater disposal rules;
The ADU may also have its own septic system located on the property. The homeowner shall sign a consent agreement indicating that the detached ADU, if proposed, shall never been split from the lot containing the primary dwelling.
If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a public, special district, or other centrally managed water system, proof of adequate service to support any additional flow created by the accessory dwelling unit, proof of payment for the connection and the volume and supply of water required for the accessory dwelling unit.
If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a well, proof of access to potable water. Any tests of an existing or proposed well must indicate that the water supply is potable and acceptable for domestic use.
Either the single-family dwelling unit or accessory dwelling unit must be occupied by the property owner.
The building is located on a conforming lot for a single-family home in the district in which it is located, or is located on a legally nonconforming lot of record.
No additional parking spaces are required for an accessory dwelling unit.
All required permits are obtained for construction of the apartment and a certificate of occupancy is obtained prior to the apartment being rented.
For an accessory dwelling unit located within the same structure as a single-family dwelling unit or attached to or sharing a wall with a single-family dwelling unit, the setback requirements and dimensional requirements must be the same as the setback requirements and dimensional requirements of the single-family dwelling unit, except for an accessory dwelling unit permitted in an existing accessory building or secondary building or garage as of July 1, 2023, in which case the requisite setback requirements for such a structure apply.