Swimming pool rules in Camden, Maine
Camden's zoning ordinance doesn't have specific rules for swimming pools or hot tubs, including fence or barrier rules. A pool built in the ground is likely a "structure," so it needs a building permit if it costs more than $2,000 and must meet your zone's setbacks. Barrier requirements come from the state building code, so check with Code Enforcement.
| "Structure" definition (likely covers pools) | Anything constructed with a fixed location on or in the ground [1] |
| Building permit threshold | Work over $2,000 in 12 months, or as required by MUBEC [2] |
| Shoreland setback for structures (residential districts, most waters) | 75 ft from the normal high-water line [3] |
| Shoreland setback from a great pond | 100 ft from the normal high-water line [5] |
| Shoreland lot coverage cap | 20% of the lot area in the shoreland zone [4] |
No pool section
The Camden zoning ordinance we reviewed has no section on swimming pools, hot tubs or spas. It doesn't set pool setbacks, barrier or fence requirements, or rules that differ for above-ground and in-ground pools. Pools come up only once, in the open-space subdivision rules.
General rules that likely apply
Camden defines a "structure" as anything built for support, shelter or enclosure, or anything constructed with a fixed location on or in the ground. Decks and patios are expressly included [1]. An in-ground pool, and probably a permanently placed above-ground pool, would likely count as a structure. If so:
- It needs a building and/or use permit when labor and materials exceed $2,000 within 12 months, or when the state building code (MUBEC) requires a permit [2].
- It must meet your zone's front, side and rear setbacks, like any structure.
Near the water
In the shoreland zone, new structures in the residential and rural districts must be at least 75 ft from the normal high-water line [3], and at least 100 ft from a great pond in any district [5]. All structures, parking and other non-vegetated surfaces together can cover no more than 20% of the part of the lot in the shoreland zone [4].
Barriers and hot tubs
Because the zoning text has nothing on pool fencing, barrier rules come from the state building code that Camden enforces. See the state rules on this page. Our copy of the zoning ordinance includes amendments only through June 14, 2022.
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Next steps
- Call Camden's Planning, Development and Code Enforcement office (207-236-3353 ext. 7112) to ask what permit your pool or hot tub needs and which building-code barrier rules apply.
- Bring a site plan showing the pool's location, size and distance to property lines (and to the water if within 250 ft).
- Plan a barrier (fence and self-closing gate) that meets the building code before you install the pool.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit to build a pool in Camden, Maine?
- It depends. Camden's zoning ordinance has no specific pool rules, but an in-ground pool is likely a structure. If so, it needs a building permit when labor and materials exceed $2,000 in 12 months, or when the state building code requires one. Check with Code Enforcement.
- How far does a pool have to be from the property line in Camden, Maine?
- The ordinance sets no pool-specific setbacks. A pool that counts as a structure must meet your zone's front, side and rear setbacks like any structure.
- Does Camden, Maine require a fence around a pool?
- Camden's zoning text has nothing on pool fencing or barriers. Barrier requirements come from the state building code that Camden enforces, so check with Code Enforcement.
- Can I build a pool near the water in Camden, Maine?
- Only with extra distance. In the shoreland zone, new structures in residential and rural districts must be at least 75 ft from the normal high-water line, and 100 ft from a great pond. Structures and other hard surfaces can cover at most 20% of the shoreland part of the lot.
Maine state rules for pools
Building code (MUBEC): Maine's statewide building code adopts the 2021 International Residential Code, effective April 7, 2025. It must be enforced in towns with more than 4,000 residents. Smaller towns may choose to enforce it. Where it's enforced, your code officer applies the code's pool and spa provisions, including barrier (fence and gate) requirements, along with any town permit rules.
- Maine did not adopt the IRC appendix that covers pools (Appendix AG).
- State law lets a town adopt the pool-fencing standards in Appendix G of the 2009 IRC, without changes, even though it's outside the statewide code (10 M.R.S. §9724).
- So pool barrier rules depend heavily on your town: whether it enforces MUBEC, and whether it adopted the 2009 Appendix G fencing standards. Ask your code enforcement officer before you build.
Shoreland zone: A pool is a structure. Within 250 ft of a great pond, river, tidal water or wetland (75 ft of a stream), it must meet the shoreland setbacks, generally 100 ft from GPA great ponds and 75 ft from other waters. It also counts toward the 20% limit on non-vegetated lot coverage.
Hot tubs and spas follow the same code path as pools.
What the ordinance says
- §290-3.2, Definitions: Structure, Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 290) - town PDF, p. 21
STRUCTURE — Anything built for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, goods or property of any kind, together with anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on or in the ground, or attached to something having a fixed location on or in the ground, excluding fences, and poles, wiring and other aerial equipment normally associated with service drops as well as guying and guy anchors. The term includes structures temporarily or permanently located, such as decks, patios and satellite dishes.
- §290-5.2A, Permits required, Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 290) - town PDF, p. 27
Construction, enlargement, alteration, demolition, or moving of any building or structure, including temporary structures, when the fair and reasonable value of such labor and materials used exceeds $2,000 cumulatively within a twelve-month period or work requiring a permit per Sections 105 and R105 of MUBEC.
- §290-10.2M(10), Shoreland areas: nearest horizontal distance, Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 290) - town PDF, p. 116
The nearest horizontal distance of all new principal and accessory structures shall be set back from the normal high waterline as follows: (a) Natural resources protection:* 250 feet. (b) Rural 1, Rural 2, Rural Recreation, Coastal Residential, Village Extension, and Traditional Village Districts: 75 feet.
- §290-10.2M(8), Shoreland areas: ground coverage, Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 290) - town PDF, p. 116
(8) Ground coverage. The total footprint area of all structures, parking lots and other nonvegetated surfaces on a lot shall not exceed 20% of the lot or a portion thereof located within the shoreland area, including land area previously developed; except in the Harbor Business (B-H), the Downtown Business (B-1), and the River Business (B-R) Districts.
- §290-10.2M(10)(d), Nearest horizontal distance: great ponds, Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 290) - town PDF, p. 116
The nearest horizontal distance from the normal high waterline of a great pond classified GPA to the nearest point of all new principal and accessory structures, or substantial expansions of legally existing nonconforming buildings or structures, within the shoreland area in any zoning district shall be set back at least 100 feet, horizontal distance, from the normal high waterline.