Plain-English answers to common homeowner questions, taken from Bath's published ordinances, with every rule linked to the section it comes from.
Last reviewed
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Yes. Under Bath's new Land Use Code (in effect since September 23, 2026), you can add one ADU to a lot with a single-family, two-family or multi-family home, inside the house, as an addition, or as a detached building, with a permit from the Codes Enforcement Officer. It can be no larger than 800 square feet or 80% of the main unit, whichever is less, and no parking is required.Allowed with a permit
Backyard Chickens Yes, with a $40 chicken license from the City: up to 6 hens, no roosters, on a lot of at least 6,000 square feet. Two city rules overlap on coop placement, and the stricter one controls, so keep the coop and run in the back yard at least 15 feet from every lot line and give the hens at least 6 square feet of coop floor each.Allowed with a permit
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO) Yes, but you need a yearly Short-Term Rental License from the City Clerk ($100 per unit), and Bath issues no more than 65 licenses a year. Licenses run January 1 to December 31; to renew you must file by December 31 and have rented at least 30 days in the prior year, and your license number must appear in every listing.Allowed with a permit
Fences Yes. Under Bath's new Land Use Code, fences can go in any setback or on the lot line, but in a front yard (or the street side of a corner lot) a solid fence can be no taller than 4 feet, while an open fence has no height limit; the code sets no height limit for side and rear yards. The new code doesn't mention a fence permit; the Codes Office's 2019 handout says only fences over 7 feet need one, so confirm with the office.Allowed
Sheds & Accessory Buildings Probably yes, so check with the Codes Office first. Bath's new Land Use Code says no building or structure may be built without a building permit from the Codes Enforcement Officer, while the office's older 2012 shed handout says a detached, one-story, storage-only shed under 200 square feet doesn't need one. Either way the shed must be at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, stay out of the front and corner side yards, and be no taller than 22 feet or your house.Allowed with a permit
Burn Permits & Backyard Fires Yes, with a burn permit for brush, leaves and campfires. Bath has no burning ordinance of its own: get a free permit online through the state's Maine Open Burn Permit System or at the fire station on the day you burn. Under the Fire Department's guide, a fire bowl, chiminea or outdoor fireplace doesn't need a permit but must sit at least 15 feet from buildings, combustibles and property lines.Allowed with a permit
Home-Based Businesses Yes. Bath's new Land Use Code allows a home occupation in all residential districts as long as it stays clearly secondary to living there, is run fully indoors and doesn't change the home's residential look. The code itself doesn't say a permit is needed, but the Codes Office lists a $60 Home Occupation Permit, and its posted form is from the old code, so check with Codes before you start.Allowed with a permit
Swimming Pools Yes. A pool with water deeper than 24 inches needs a building permit from the Codes Enforcement Office, and under the new Land Use Code it must be in the back yard or an interior side yard, at least 10 feet from every lot line. The Codes Office's 2021 pool handout also calls for a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.Allowed with a permit
Building Near the Water (Shoreland Zoning) Within 250 feet of the Kennebec, tidal waters or a wetland (75 feet of a stream), any building or land work needs a Shoreland Zoning Permit under Bath's new Land Use Code. New buildings must stay 150 feet from the high-water line east of Thorne Head and 250 feet west of it toward Merrymeeting Bay (75 feet from streams and wetlands), unless a setback reduction plan is approved.Allowed with board review
Docks, Piers & Floats Yes, with city and state approval. Bath's Land Use Code allows one pier, dock or wharf per lot, subject to Planning Board site plan approval in the residential districts and the shoreland rules; a new permanent dock over the water also needs a Maine DEP permit and possibly Army Corps approval. A float or mooring in the harbor needs a permit from the Harbormaster.Allowed with board review