ADU Town Regulations
Orono, ME
Jul 18, 2024
Last Updated
About
Orono, Maine, is a town located in Penobscot County, known for being the home of the University of Maine, which gives it a lively, college-town atmosphere. As of September 2024, the town has an estimated population of 11,183 residents. Orono offers a blend of cultural and educational opportunities, with a range of local shops, cafes, and outdoor recreational areas along the Penobscot and Stillwater rivers. Its youthful population and strong community spirit make it an inviting place for both students and long-term residents
ADU Rules
No property within a single-family residential district shall have more than one (1) dwelling unit, except an ADU may be permitted as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling when the following requirements are met:
The property must be located within the R-1A, R-1B, LR-1A, LR-1B, LR-1C, LR-1C-1, RR-1A, or RR-1B Zoning Districts.
An ADU, attached or detached, shall only be permitted on lots one acre or greater in area.
No more than one ADU shall be permitted on a lot or parcel.
Total floor area of an ADU shall be no more than 50% percent of the primary dwelling unit's total floor area. The total floor area of an ADU shall not be less than 300 square feet.
The ADU shall not have separate utility connections. The primary residence and ADU must be served by shared municipal water, sanitary sewer, gas, and electric utility services. If not served by municipal sewer and water, the primary residence and ADU shall meet the private well and septic requirements of the Code.
An ADU shall be designed and maintained so as to be consistent with the architectural design, integrated materials, style, appearance, and character of the primary residence as a single-family residence.
A minimum of two off-street parking spaces (enclosed or on a driveway) shall be required for the ADU.
ADUs must be constructed on a permanent foundation with no wheels.
The property shall only have one address. The ADU may not be addressed separately from the primary residence.
The ADU may not be subdivided or otherwise segregated in ownership from the primary residence structure.
A rental license shall not be granted to an ADU. An ADU cannot be rented separately from the primary residence.
All principal and accessory buildings on the same lot must be separated by a ten-foot setback from other buildings.
Accessory buildings and principal buildings shall be consistent in design and color. Except for accessory buildings that are less than 120 square feet in area or are located on lots two acres in area or larger.