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ADU Town Regulations

Standish, ME

Jun 4, 2024

Last Updated

About

Standish, Maine, is a scenic town located in Cumberland County, known for its rural charm and access to nearby Sebago Lake. As of October 2024, the estimated population of Standish is 10,244 residents. The town has experienced steady growth over recent years, offering a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of the greater Portland area. Standish's natural beauty, historic sites and local recreational opportunities make it an attractive place for those seeking a balance of rural and suburban living

ADU Rules

  • Only one accessory dwelling unit is allowed on a lot.

  • The accessory dwelling unit must be located within the same building as the existing one or two-family dwelling or within a detached structure that meets building code requirements for a dwelling unit. The accessory dwelling unit must contain its own cooking, eating, bathroom and sleeping facilities.

  • Accessory dwelling unit shall contain a minimum of 190 square feet and a maximum of 1,000 square feet of living space. For purposes of this section, "living space" means the total floor area designated for occupancy and exclusive use as an accessory dwelling unit, expressed in square feet, measured from the center lines of adjoining partitions and exteriors of outside walls.

  • Either the existing one or two-family dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit must be owner-occupied. "Owner-occupied" means that a dwelling unit on the property, which may be the accessory dwelling unit, is occupied by a person who has a legal or equitable ownership interest in the property and bears all or part of the economic risk of decline in value of the property and who receives all or part of the remuneration, if any, derived from the lease or rental of the property.

  • Ownership of the existing one or two-family dwelling use and the accessory dwelling unit must be the same.

  • Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for any accessory dwelling unit the applicant must provide written verification that the accessory dwelling unit is connected to adequate water and wastewater services. And must include:

    • If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a public, special district or other comparable sewer system, proof of adequate service to support any additional flow created by the accessory dwelling unit and proof of payment for the connection to the sewer system;

    • If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a septic system, proof of adequate sewage disposal for subsurface wastewater. The septic system must be verified as adequate by a local plumbing inspector. Plans for subsurface wastewater disposal must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator in accordance with subsurface wastewater disposal rules.

    • If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a public, special district or other centrally managed water system, proof of adequate service to support any additional flow created by the accessory dwelling unit, proof of payment for the connection and the volume and supply of water required for the accessory dwelling unit;

    • If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a well, proof of access to potable water. Any tests of an existing well or proposed well must indicate that the water supply is potable and acceptable for domestic use.

  • The accessory dwelling unit must comply with all applicable building and fire safety codes in effect at the time of the application.

  • A home occupation or tradesman use may be conducted, subject to existing regulations, as an accessory use to either the accessory dwelling unit or existing single-family residence, but not to both.

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