ADU Town Regulations
Cumberland, ME
May 13, 2024
Last Updated
About
Cumberland, Maine, is a charming town located in Cumberland County, known for its scenic beauty, strong community, and excellent schools. As of 2024, the estimated population of Cumberland is 8,909 residents. The town offers a blend of rural and suburban living, with easy access to both Portland and the surrounding natural attractions. One of the town's most popular attractions is the Cumberland Fair, an annual event held at the Cumberland Fairgrounds. Running for over 150 years, this traditional agricultural fair features live entertainment, carnival rides, animal exhibits, harness racing, and the All American Rodeo, drawing visitors from across the region each September. Cumberland is also recognized for its parks, trails, and community events, making it an inviting place for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
ADU Rules
One (1) accessory dwelling unit may be constructed as an attached or detached structure that is accessory to a primary single-family dwelling unit on any lot in any zoning district.
An accessory dwelling unit may be part of the same structure as the primary dwelling unit; however, basement, attic or other existing living spaces, such as a room over a garage, within the primary dwelling unit that are occupied by family members shall not be considered accessory dwelling units.
An accessory dwelling unit may also be a detached dwelling unit on the same lot as the primary dwelling unit.
The accessory dwelling unit must meet the same setback and dimensional requirements as the primary dwelling unit.
The accessory dwelling unit cannot have additional parking requirements beyond those of the primary dwelling unit.
The accessory dwelling unit must meet the same setback and dimensional requirements as the primary dwelling unit.
Either the primary dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit must be occupied by the owner of the property.
All accessory dwelling units must be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to an accessory dwelling unit permit.
The accessory dwelling unit shall include no more than two bedrooms and shall not exceed 40% of the total living area of the primary dwelling unit. Unfinished space within the primary dwelling unit shall not be counted toward the total square footage of the primary dwelling unit for purposes of calculating the forty-percent limit.
Accessory dwelling units must be at least 190 square feet in area.
An accessory dwelling unit shall not be required to independently meet the minimum lot size requirements of the zoning district within which it is located; provided that the local Plumbing Inspector indicates adequate capacity and conformity with the State Plumbing Code for the accessory dwelling unit in addition to the primary dwelling unit.
In no case shall an accessory dwelling unit be allowed on a lot smaller than 20,000 square feet unless connected to a public sewer.
An accessory dwelling unit shall not be required to independently meet the lot frontage requirements of the zoning district within which it is located, but shall be required to meet all setbacks of the zoning district within which it is located that are otherwise applicable to the existing structure within which the primary dwelling unit is located.
An accessory dwelling unit shall not be permitted on a lot with a nonconforming use.
An accessory dwelling unit must be located within the approved building envelope for any lot located within a subdivision.