Plain-English answers to common homeowner questions, taken from Cumberland's published ordinances, with every rule linked to the section it comes from.
Last reviewed
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Yes. Cumberland allows one accessory dwelling unit, attached or detached, with a single-family home or multifamily structure on any lot in any zoning district, approved by the Code Enforcement Officer through an ADU permit. The ADU must meet the district's setbacks and the Plumbing Inspector must confirm adequate septic or sewer capacity.Allowed with a permit
Backyard Chickens Yes. Cumberland allows up to 6 hens on a single-family detached home's property with an annual chicken license from the Town Clerk, issued after an Animal Control inspection. Roosters are not allowed, and the henhouse and pen must be in the rear yard at least 10 feet from the side and rear property lines.Allowed with a permit
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO) Cumberland's ordinances we reviewed don't specifically regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO: we found no registration, license, cap or minimum-stay rule. Renting rooms to overnight guests in your home as a bed-and-breakfast is a separate use that is treated as a home occupation.Not specifically regulated
Fences The Cumberland zoning chapters we reviewed don't set a general fence height limit or fence setback for homes. The main rule is at street corners: nothing may be more than 3 1/2 feet above curb height within the triangle formed by points 20 feet from where the street lines intersect. Confirm with the Code Enforcement Office whether it treats a fence as a structure that must meet setbacks.Allowed
Sheds & Accessory Buildings In Cumberland's residential districts, a shed (an accessory building of 189 sq ft or less) can be as close as 15 feet to the side and rear lot lines but must meet the full front setback, such as 50 feet in the LDR district. Larger accessory buildings must meet the district's regular setbacks. Building permits go through the Code Enforcement Officer; the ordinance text we reviewed doesn't set a size below which no permit is needed.Depends on your zone
Burn Permits & Backyard Fires Cumberland's fire ordinance doesn't set up its own burn permit system, but the Fire/EMS Chief can ban all outdoor burning during serious fire danger, and light household materials like paper and cardboard may only be burned in a screened receptacle with a screened cover. Maine's statewide burn permit rules (shown below) still apply to brush burning and backyard fires.Restricted
Home-Based Businesses Yes. Home occupations are allowed in any single- or two-family home or its accessory building, and the Code Enforcement Officer issues a change of use permit if the business meets the standards, including no more than 2 non-family employees and inconspicuous signs. A business that doesn't meet every standard needs a special exception from the Board of Adjustment and Appeals.Allowed with a permit
Swimming Pools Yes, with a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer. An outdoor pool (more than 24 inches deep) and its filter equipment must meet your zoning district's setbacks, and the pool must be fully enclosed by a fence or wall at least 4 feet high. This applies to both in-ground and above-ground pools.Allowed with a permit
We couldn't download Cumberland's ordinance text for the other 2 topics yet, so we don't cover them rather than guess.