What Can I Build Here? Interactive Zoning Map
Mapping local zoning boundaries…
Permitting an ADU or home in Scarborough
ADU verdict · Scarborough
Building an ADU here
- ADUs are allowed by right (administrative review only).
- Owner-occupancy required.
- No sprinkler requirement for 1–2 units.
- Tiered by principal-structure size up to a 1,500 sf ceiling; barn/garage/carriage/cottage style required; ≤2 occupants (Zoning §405-2).
- Short-term rentals: prohibited.
- Max ADU size
- up to 1500 sq ftconditions apply
- 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: 22 permits may apply. Approvals: Review path varies — confirm with the code office.
- ApprovalsReview path varies — confirm with the code office
- Growth Permit (Chapter 413)
- Site & utilities
- Excavation Permit
- Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
- MaineDOT Entrance Permit
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit (HHE-200)
- Sewer Service (Scarborough Sanitary District Building Connection Permit)
- Water Service (Portland Water District)
- Build
- Building Permit (New Home)
- Electrical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Heating Appliance Permit
- Demolition Permit
- Impact Fees (School / Recreation / Roadway)
- Final sign-off
- Certificate of Occupancy
Your land's triggers
Depends on your lotThe steps above are Scarborough'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 22 permits by name — the rest are lot-dependent or listed in the full permit ledger below.
Where to apply
- Department
- Planning & Codes (Code Enforcement)
- Phone
- (207) 730-4040
- Hours
- Mon-Thu 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM; CLOSED Fridays
- Address
- 259 US Route 1, PO Box 360, Scarborough ME 04070-0360 (Scarborough Municipal Building, Lower Level, Room 125)
Intake details current as of April 13, 2026. Confirm with the code office before applying.
Permits you may need
- Building Permit (New Home)PDF form· ~2-3 wksApply
- Electrical PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Plumbing PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Heating Appliance PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Fire Suppression System PermitPDF form· ~3 wksApply
- Fire Department Construction PermitPDF form· ~3-4 wksApply
- Commercial Fire Alarm Plan Review & PermitPDF form· ~3 wksApply
- Growth Permit (Chapter 413)PDF form· ~2-4 wksApply
- Driveway CoordinationPDF form· ~1 wksApply
- Shoreland Setback DeterminationPDF form· ~4-6 wksApply
- Flood PermitPDF form· ~2-3 wksApply
- Variance / ZBA AppealPDF form· ~6-8 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
- Scarborough
- 9 zones
- 31 zones
Scarborough 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.