What Can I Build Here? Interactive Zoning Map
Mapping local zoning boundaries…
Permitting an ADU or home in Falmouth
ADU verdict · Falmouth
Building an ADU here
- ADUs are allowed by right (administrative review only).
- No owner-occupancy requirement.
- No sprinkler requirement for 1–2 units.
- The lesser of (a) 850 sf or (b) 100% of the principal single-family dwelling's gross floor area (excluding garages, porches, decks, unfinished areas) per Zoning Ord. §19-55.1(b), amended 07/11/16 — 'whichever is less'.
- Short-term rentals: permitted.
- Max ADU size
- up to 850 sq ftconditions apply
- Building-permit review
- ~2 wks
- Permits to build
- Building permit+ trade sub-permits
- How you file
- PDF form
The typical order
confirm with the code officeWhich permits may apply — sequence is typical; some steps run in parallel.
New home: 21 permits may apply. Approvals: Review path varies — confirm with the code office.
- ApprovalsReview path varies — confirm with the code office
- Growth Permit
- Site & utilities
- Excavation Permit
- Street Entrance Permit
- Phosphorus Control Permit
- Fill Permit
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit
- Water Service
- Sewer Connection
- Build
- Building Permit
- Electrical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Heating Permit
- Porch/Deck Permit
- Demolition Permit
- Wood Stove Permit
- Internal Plumbing Permit
- Final sign-off
- Certificate of Occupancy
Your land's triggers
Depends on your lotThe steps above are Falmouth'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 17 of 21 permits by name — the rest are lot-dependent or listed in the full permit ledger below.
Where to apply
- Department
- Code Enforcement Division
- Phone
- (207) 699-5310
- code@falmouthme.org
- Hours
- Mon 7:00 AM-4:30 PM; Tue-Thu 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Fri CLOSED
- Address
- 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105
Intake details current as of April 10, 2026. Confirm with the code office before applying.
Permits you may need
- Building PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Electrical PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Plumbing PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Heating PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Certificate of OccupancyPDF formApply
- Porch/Deck PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Demolition PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Shoreland Zoning PermitPDF form· variesApply
- Flood Hazard Development PermitPDF form· variesApply
- Site Plan Review (Planning Board)PDF form· varies (Planning Board cycle)Apply
- Street Entrance PermitPDF form· 1-2 wksApply
- Variance / ZBA AppealPDF form· varies (BZA hearing cycle)Apply
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.
Municipalities in Cumberland County
- Falmouth
- 9 zones
- 31 zones
Falmouth 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.