What Can I Build Here? Interactive Zoning Map
Mapping local zoning boundaries…
Permitting an ADU or home in Gorham
ADU verdict · Gorham
Building an ADU here
- ADUs are allowed by right (administrative review only).
- Owner-occupancy required.
- No sprinkler requirement for 1–2 units.
- <=800 sf, >=190 sf living space; max 2 occupants; one ADU per lot; not counted toward density (LUDC Ch.2 section C, amended 2023-01-03)
- Short-term rentals: unregulated (no specific short-term-rental rule).
- Max ADU size
- 800 sq ft
- Building-permit review
- ~2-3 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: 18 permits may apply. Approvals: Review path varies — confirm with the code office.
- ApprovalsReview path varies — confirm with the code office
- Use Permit
- Growth Permit
- Site & utilities
- Sewer Permit
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit (HHE-200)
- Water Service (Portland Water District)
- Driveway / Entrance Permit
- Fill Permit
- Build
- Building Permit
- Electrical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Mechanical/Heating Permit
- Demolition Permit
- Impact Fees
- Final sign-off
- Certificate of Occupancy
Your land's triggers
Depends on your lotThe steps above are Gorham'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 14 of 18 permits by name — the rest are lot-dependent or listed in the full permit ledger below.
Where to apply
- Department
- Community Development - Code Division
- Phone
- (207) 222-1605
- Address
- 75 South Street, Gorham, ME 04038
Intake details current as of May 28, 2026. Confirm with the code office before applying.
Permits you may need
- Building PermitPDF form· ~2-3 wksApply
- Electrical PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Plumbing PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Mechanical/Heating PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Certificate of OccupancyPDF form· ~1 wksApply
- Demolition PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Use PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Growth PermitPDF form· ~2-4 wksApply
- Sewer PermitPDF form· ~2-3 wksApply
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit (HHE-200)PDF form· ~4-6 wksApply
- Water Service (Portland Water District)PDF form· ~3-4 wksApply
- Driveway / Entrance PermitPDF form· ~1-2 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.
Municipalities in Cumberland County
- Gorham
- 9 zones
- 31 zones
Gorham 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.