What Can I Build Here? Interactive Zoning Map
Mapping local zoning boundaries…
Permitting an ADU or home in Biddeford
ADU verdict · Biddeford
Building an ADU here
- ADUs are allowed by right (administrative review only).
- Owner-occupancy required.
- No sprinkler requirement for 1–2 units.
- <=35% of the principal dwelling's gross floor area OR 900 sq ft, WHICHEVER IS GREATER (section 78.C.1.f); min 300 sf; <=2 bedrooms; max 3 occupants; 1 off-street parking unless public parking within 1,000 ft.
- Short-term rentals: unregulated (no specific short-term-rental rule).
- Building-permit review
- ~2-4 wks
- Permits to build
- Building permit+ trade sub-permits
- How you file
The typical order
confirm with the code officeWhich permits may apply — sequence is typical; some steps run in parallel.
New home: 15 permits may apply. Approvals: Review path varies — confirm with the code office.
- ApprovalsReview path varies — confirm with the code office
- Site & utilities
- Sewer Connection
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit (HHE-200)
- Water Service (Maine Water Company)
- Curb Cut / Driveway Permit
- Street Opening / Excavation Permit
- Build
- Building Permit
- Electrical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Demolition Permit
- Final sign-off
- Certificate of Occupancy
Your land's triggers
Depends on your lotThe steps above are Biddeford's standard permit path — which ones apply depends on your project. What's below depends on where your lot sits, and the zoning map can't see it.
Parcel diagnostics unscanned- Flood hazard
- Wetland / vernal pool (NRPA)
- Shoreland
- Historic district
- Site & soil conditions
- Per-lot fee impact
Launching soonThis page names the questions; your parcel gives the answers — which fire, why, and cited. That's the paid lot report.
Showing 10 of 15 permits by name — the rest are lot-dependent or listed in the full permit ledger below.
Where to apply
- Department
- Code Enforcement Office
- Phone
- (207) 284-9236
- Hours
- Mon-Tue 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Wed-Thu 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; Fri CLOSED
- Address
- 205 Main Street, Biddeford, ME 04005
Intake details current as of May 29, 2026. Confirm with the code office before applying.
Permits you may need
- Building PermitEmail· ~2-4 wksApply
- Electrical PermitEmail· ~2 wksApply
- Plumbing PermitEmail· ~2 wksApply
- Certificate of OccupancyEmail· ~1 wksApply
- Demolition PermitEmail· ~2 wksApply
- Shoreland Zoning PermitEmail· ~4-6 wksApply
- Floodplain Development PermitEmail· ~2-3 wksApply
- Historic Review (Certificate of Appropriateness)Email· ~4-6 wksApply
- Variance / ZBA AppealEmail· ~6-8 wksApply
- Sewer ConnectionPDF form· ~2-3 wksApply
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit (HHE-200)PDF form· ~4-6 wksApply
- Water Service (Maine Water Company)In person· ~3-4 wksApply
Review times run longer in peak building season — confirm current turnaround with the code office.
This is public-record guidance, not legal advice — verify with the code office before applying. Maine fee schedules revise annually on July 1.
ADUs allowed by right (LD 2003). Search your address to check your lot.
Biddeford Zoning Districts
V-STARA™ zoning data provides screening-level feasibility estimates. Final dimensional constraints and requirements must be verified during the formal municipal permitting phase.