Maine Zoning & Land Use Laws

Maine ADU Law

Maine has a statewide ADU law — Maine LD 2003 — An Act To Implement Certain Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions — effective 2022-07-01. This law preempts local ordinances — cities and counties cannot impose restrictions stricter than the state standard. Key provisions include: Requires municipalities with 2,000+ residents to allow at least one ADU on any owner-occupied single-family lot; ADUs must be permitted as of right — no discretionary approval or public hearing required; Municipalities may establish reasonable dimensional and design standards but may not effectively prohibit ADUs, and 5 more. The most recent amendment was LD 2003 (2022): Required Maine municipalities with 2,000+ residents to allow ADUs by-right on single-family owner-occupied lots. Part of broader housing reform package to address Maine's housing shortage. Took effect July 1, 2022.

Cottage Food Law

Maine Cottage Food Law (Maine Revised Statutes Title 7, Chapter 101): Maine has one of the most permissive cottage food laws in New England. Allows home-based production and sale of non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers. No annual gross revenue cap. Allowed products include baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles (high-acid), candy, maple products, and dried herbs. Products may be sold at farmers markets, roadside stands, and directly to consumers. No state license or permit required for cottage food operations. Products must be labeled with: producer name and address, product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight, and 'Made in a Home Kitchen.' Maine eliminated its revenue cap on cottage food sales, making it one of the most permissive states for home-based food businesses. Maine also has specific rules for maple products and wild-harvested foods sold directly to consumers.

Recent Legislative Changes