ADU Town Regulations
Porter, ME
May 25, 2024
Last Updated
About
Porter, Maine, is a small town located in Oxford County with an estimated population of 1,653 as of 2023. Known for its rural charm and scenic landscapes, Porter attracts visitors looking for outdoor adventures. One of the popular local attractions is the Bald Ledge Preserve, a moderate hiking trail that offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Additionally, the Parsonsfield-Porter Covered Bridge, a historic structure built in 1876, is a notable landmark in the area, often visited by those interested in local history and photography. Visitors can also enjoy the Ossipee Valley Fairgrounds, which hosts a country fair with carnival rides, animals, and music. With its blend of natural beauty and small-town appeal, Porter is a delightful spot for residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
ADU Rules
General ADU Requirements:
Size requirements
A detached accessory dwelling unit must meet a minimum size of 190 square feet and not exceed 400 square feet in ground floor footprint (excluding open decks and access stairs or ramps outside of the Shoreland Buffer).
If it is attached to the existing dwelling, it must consist of less than 400 SF of footprint or 30% of the primary dwelling ground floor (excluding open decks and access stairs or ramps outside of the Shoreland Buffer), whichever is less.
The owner of a multi-family dwelling land use comprised of housing structures, units, accessory dwelling units, or a combination thereof must provide written verification to the municipality that the structures or accessory dwelling units are connected to adequate water and wastewater services before the municipality may approve the land use and certify the structures or accessory dwelling units for occupancy.
Three (3) dwelling units or more, regardless of type, developed within a five (5) year period on a single parcel are to be evaluated under the Subdivision Regulations.
Density Requirements:
To determine the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a tract of land, the net residential acreage takes into account the minimum lot size required in the district for a single-family dwelling and each added dwelling type.
A survey, registered at the Registry of Deeds, performed by a licensed Maine surveyor and provided to the municipality is required prior to any request for a residential density variance.
Shoreland zoning. Accessory dwelling units and/or housing structures comprising a multi-family land use must comply with shoreland zoning and Resource Protection requirements.
There shall be at least sixty (60) feet between principal or dedicated detached accessory dwellings located on a single lot.
The owner of the parcel and structure will be held responsible by the town for Ordinance violations related to rubbish disposal, snow removal, nuisances, and site-safety maintenance.