ADU Town Rules & Regulations
Orono, ME
May 4, 2026
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
As an accessory use in a single-family dwelling or a structure that is accessory to the single-family dwelling, the renting of one and only one dwelling unit shall be permitted provided the following conditions are all satisfied:
The accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 500 square feet of floor area.
The accessory dwelling unit is limited to not more than one bedroom.
The number of occupants of an accessory dwelling unit is limited to not more than two.
The water and sewage facilities meet all existing laws and codes.
The property is owner-occupied.
One sign, no larger than two square feet in area, without artificial lighting, may be erected on the premises, only during times when a vacancy exists.
A permit shall be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer prior to construction and/or occupancy of such an accessory dwelling unit.
No parking lot or parking space, exclusive of driveways, shall be located between the street and any residential building.
The property shall comply with current parking requirements for a single family use.
If the accessory dwelling unit is in an accessory structure the accessory structure shall meet all setback requirements as identified in section 18-106(f) of this ordinance.