What Can I Build Here? Interactive Zoning Map
Mapping local zoning boundaries…
Permitting an ADU or home in South Portland
ADU verdict · South Portland
Building an ADU here
- ADUs are allowed by right (administrative review only).
- No owner-occupancy requirement.
- No sprinkler requirement for 1–2 units.
- Tiered by lot size: lots <10,890 sf → ≤800 sf; ≥10,890 sf → the lesser of 10% of lot area, 1,200 sf, or 90% of principal GFA (§27-1577).
- Short-term rentals: prohibited.
- Max ADU size
- up to 1200 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: 17 permits may apply. Approvals: Review path varies — confirm with the code office.
- ApprovalsReview path varies — confirm with the code office
- Site & utilities
- Sewer Connection (Impact Fee)
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit (HHE-200)
- Water Service (Portland Water District)
- Soil Quality Permit
- Curb Cut / Driveway Permit
- Street & Sidewalk Opening Permit
- Build
- Building Permit
- Electrical Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- Heating/HVAC Permit
- Demolition Permit
- Final sign-off
- Certificate of Occupancy
Your land's triggers
Depends on your lotThe steps above are South Portland'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 12 of 17 permits by name — the rest are lot-dependent or listed in the full permit ledger below.
Where to apply
- Department
- Code Enforcement
- Phone
- (207) 767-7603
- Hours
- Mon/Wed/Thu 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Tue 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri closed
- Address
- 829 Sawyer Street, South Portland, ME 04106
Intake details current as of April 10, 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
- Heating/HVAC PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- Certificate of OccupancyPDF form· ~1 wksApply
- Demolition PermitPDF form· ~2 wksApply
- ADU Application MeetingIn person· ~1-2 wksApply
- ADU Zoning PermitIn person· ~3-4 wksApply
- Sewer Connection (Impact Fee)PDF form· ~2-3 wksApply
- Subsurface Wastewater Permit (HHE-200)PDF form· ~4-6 wksApply
- Water Service (Portland Water District)PDF form· ~3-4 wksApply
- Variance / Board of AppealsPDF 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.
South Portland 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.