Accessory Dwelling Units

ADUs are additional housing units that meet certain criteria on residential lots. South Portland City Council recently updated ADU regulations as one strategy to address the local housing shortage. The changes make these units easier and faster to build than ever in South Portland. ADUs can now be significantly larger than before and no longer have to be attached to the existing home. With no requirement for additional parking, and a simplified permitting process (no public hearing in most cases) building an ADU may be the right solution for your needs.

Standards

ADU standards are available through the City's Code of Ordinances in Chapter 27, Zoning, Sections 27-1576 through 27-1579.

Zoning Permit Application Process

The total cost to submit a Zoning Permit application is $500. This application process is split into three phases and is in addition to the Building Permit application.

  1. Once you have completed the Zoning Permit application to the best of your ability, call the Code Enforcement Office at 207-767-7603 to schedule your 30-minute pre-application meeting. Bring your application and any questions to this meeting. If you have them, also bring your building plans and property survey if applicable. The purpose of this meeting is to help develop your concept and answer any questions you have about ADU requirements.
  2. After the pre-application meeting, you will be able to complete the rest of the application on your own and gather any remaining documents or plans that are required. When you are ready and the application is complete, call the Code Enforcement Office to schedule your 1-hour application meeting and pay the $200 application meeting fee. Bring your complete application and associated documentation for review.
  3. During the application meeting, we will review your documents and deem the application complete and ready for submittal, or, incomplete and will explain any remaining items required prior to submittal. Once the application is deemed completed, you may pay the $300 fee and submit the application for final review.

Zoning Permit application review takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Building Permit application review takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. You may submit your Building Permit subsequently to or simultaneously with your Zoning Permit.

All payments may be made with cash, check, or credit card (credit card fees will apply). Payments may be made in person at 829 Sawyer Street (formerly 496 Ocean Street). All application meetings will take place at the same address or over Zoom.

If you have any questions about the application process, call the Code Enforcement Office at 207-767-7603.

Watch the April 25, 2023, ADU presentation recording of our highly attended and reviewed information session held at the South Portland Public Library. Speakers provide a wealth of information and include representatives from the South Portland Planning Division and South Portland Code Enforcement, as well as members of the local business and non-profit community to speak on property management, tenant management, and financing.

For More Information

If you have questions or would like more information about the event or building an ADU in South Portland, contact the Code Enforcement office at 207-767-7603.