ADU Town Rules & Regulations
Wells, ME
May 6, 2026
Last Updated
About
Wells, Maine, is a beautiful coastal town known for its long sandy beaches, rich history, and welcoming community. Founded in 1643, it is the third-oldest town in Maine with a population of 11,314 as of the 2020 census. Located along the southern coast, Wells offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, from exploring its scenic coastline and wildlife preserves to enjoying its many restaurants and shops. The town's beaches, like Wells Beach and Drakes Island Beach, attract visitors from all over, making it a popular destination for both vacationers and residents. With its laid-back charm and natural beauty, Wells is a quintessential New England town that embodies the best of coastal living.
ADU Rules
No more than one accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted on any lot containing one or more one-family dwellings, two-family dwellings or multifamily dwellings in all districts where such dwellings are permitted uses. An accessory dwelling unit that complies with the requirements of § 145-55A shall not be deemed a dwelling unit for purposes of determining minimum lot size and maximum density. Nothing in this section exempts an accessory dwelling unit from any other requirements of this chapter, including without limitation any shoreland zoning or subdivision requirements or street requirements:
The lot on which the accessory dwelling unit is situated shall meet all the current dimensional requirements of this chapter for a one-family dwelling, two-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling or be a legally existing, nonconforming lot.
The accessory dwelling unit shall contain no more than three rooms and a bathroom, shall have at least 190 square feet of net habitable area if attached and shall have at least 400 square feet of net habitable area if detached, and shall not exceed 800 square feet of net habitable floor area.
If the accessory dwelling unit is located within or is attached to a one-family dwelling unit, two-family dwelling, or multifamily dwelling, the building containing the accessory dwelling unit shall have the exterior appearance of a single-family home.
If the accessory dwelling unit is located within or is attached to a one-family dwelling unit, the accessory dwelling unit shall not occupy more than 35% of the habitable floor area of the building.
If the accessory dwelling unit is detached, then it shall meet all applicable setback requirements unless it is located within an existing legally non-conforming structure, in which case the footprint of the existing structure shall not be expanded.
The accessory dwelling unit shall have adequate water and wastewater services, as required by 30-A M.R.S.A. § 4364-B(7). Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the permit holder must provide written verification to the Code Enforcement Officer that the accessory dwelling unit is connected to adequate water and wastewater services.
An accessory dwelling unit may not be subject to any additional parking requirements beyond the parking requirements of the single-family dwelling unit on the lot where the accessory dwelling unit is located.
The accessory dwelling unit is to be considered a dwelling unit per 30-A M.R.S. § 4401 and may require subdivision review per Chapter 202.
An accessory dwelling unit is permitted only when the one-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, multifamily dwelling, or accessory dwelling unit is owner-occupied.
Accessory dwelling units and the principal dwelling unit, two family dwelling unit, and multifamily dwelling unit are intended to create year-round housing. Therefore, none of these dwelling units can be leased or occupied by persons other than an owner-occupant, or their guests who occupy the dwelling without compensation, for a period of less than six (6) consecutive months.