ADU Town Rules & Regulations
Cumberland, ME
May 27, 2025
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 accessory dwelling unit may be constructed as an attached or detached structure that is accessory to a primary single-family dwelling unit or multifamily-structure 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.
Review and approval - All accessory dwelling units must satisfy the standards set forth in this section and must be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to an accessory dwelling unit permit.
Lot standards.
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.
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 existing primary dwelling that is a nonconforming structure or building may be expanded to incorporate an accessory dwelling unit subject to the requirements of § 315-74 for the expansion of nonconforming buildings or structures, or § 226-14 if located within a Shoreland Zoning District. An accessory dwelling unit shall not be permitted on a lot with a nonconforming use.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 315-77, no variances may be granted with respect to the dimensional requirements related to size and height of structures, setback distances, lot coverage, or lot frontage required for accessory dwelling units.
An accessory dwelling unit must be located within the approved building envelope for any lot located within a subdivision.
This section shall not prohibit the conversion of a single-family dwelling to a duplex or multiplex dwelling or the conversion of a duplex dwelling to a single-family or multiplex dwelling, so long as said conversion complies with all district and other zoning standards, including, but not limited to, the minimum lot size per dwelling unit.
Conversions: Any single-family dwelling may be converted to a multifamily structure subject to the applicability and provisions of Chapter 250, Subdivision of Land.