ADU Town Regulations
Sanford, ME

Jun 18, 2024
Last Updated
About
Sanford, Maine, is a city located in York County with a population of approximately 22,372 as of 2024. It is known for its blend of small-town charm and vibrant community activities. Sanford offers various attractions, including the scenic Sanford Trails - perfect for hiking and biking, McDougal Orchards, where visitors can pick fresh apples and enjoy cider donuts, and Goodall Park, which hosts the popular Sanford Mainers summer league baseball games. The city also has several annual events that draw both locals and visitors, such as the Sanford Brew Fest, where attendees can enjoy local brews, live music, and food at the Sanford Regional Airport, and the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, a community highlight each year. These events, along with its parks, shops, and recreational opportunities, make Sanford a welcoming place for residents and tourists alike.
ADU Rules
Only one ADU is allowed per lot unless within the Growth Zone of the City's Comprehensive Plan on record at the time of application then two units are allowed.
The gross floor area of the ADU may not exceed more than forty percent (40%) of the living area of the principal dwelling structure or one thousand (1,000) square feet, whichever is greater, or have more than three (3) bedrooms.
An ADU must be constructed in reference to a principal dwelling structure located on the same lot or parcel.
An ADU may be created in any of the following ways:
Using space within the interior of an existing dwelling.
Building an addition onto an existing dwelling such that the addition is made part of the principal structure or is attached to the principal structure by a breezeway not exceeding twenty feet (20) in length.
Building a new detached structure or renovating an existing free standing structure.
There are no off-street parking requirements for an ADU.
The principal dwelling structure and the accessory dwelling unit(s) shall be in the same ownership. An ADU cannot be sold separately from the principal dwelling structure.
The owner of the property shall occupy either the principal dwelling structure or the ADU.