Plain-English answers to common homeowner questions, taken from Gorham's published ordinances, with every rule linked to the section it comes from.
Last reviewed
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Yes. Gorham calls ADUs "accessory apartments." One is allowed on any lot where a single-family home is allowed or exists, with Code Enforcement Officer approval. It can be attached or detached, must be 190 to 800 sq ft, and the owner must live on the property.Allowed with a permit
Backyard Chickens Yes. In Gorham's Urban Residential, Urban Residential Expansion and Suburban Residential districts, hens are a permitted use: 6 on a lot under 20,000 sq ft, up to 10 on 20,000-40,000 sq ft, and 25 on lots over 40,000 sq ft. Roosters aren't allowed on lots under 6 acres, and coops and pens must meet zoning setbacks and stay out of the front yard.Allowed
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO) Gorham's ordinances that we reviewed don't specifically regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO. We found no registration, license, cap or minimum-stay rule. Renting rooms with breakfast in a home you live in is treated as a bed and breakfast, which is limited to 3 guest rooms as a home occupation.Not specifically regulated
Fences Gorham's Land Use and Development Code sets no fence height limit or fence setback for homes. Fences and boundary walls are excluded from the definition of "structure," so the building-permit and setback rules for structures don't apply to them. Check with Code Enforcement before building a very tall fence or one near a road intersection.Allowed
Sheds & Accessory Buildings Yes, but you need a building permit. Gorham requires a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer for any building or structure. One shed per lot that is under 150 sq ft and under 15 ft tall only has to be 5 ft from the side and rear lot lines. Larger or additional sheds must meet the district setbacks, such as 15 ft in Urban Residential or 20 ft in Suburban Residential and Rural.Allowed with a permit
Burn Permits & Backyard Fires Gorham's land use ordinances that we reviewed don't regulate brush burning, backyard fires or fire pits, and we found no local burning ordinance. Burn permits in Gorham go through the Gorham Fire Department or the Maine Forest Service online permit system, under state rules.Not specifically regulated
Home-Based Businesses Yes. Home occupations are allowed as an accessory use in Gorham's residential and rural districts, but you need a permit from the Code Enforcement Department before you start. You can have up to 2 non-family employees and generate no more than 10 vehicle trips a day, and the business can use up to 20% of the home's floor area or 576 sq ft, whichever is more.Allowed with a permit
Swimming Pools Yes, with a building permit. Gorham's code counts swimming pools as "structures," so a pool needs a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer and must meet the setbacks for your district, such as 15 ft side and rear in Urban Residential or 20 ft in Suburban Residential and Rural. The zoning code doesn't spell out pool fence or barrier rules; those come from the building code.Allowed with a permit
Building Near the Water (Shoreland Zoning) Gorham's shoreland rules apply within 250 ft of a great pond, river or freshwater wetland and within 75 ft of a stream. New buildings must be set back 100 ft from great ponds and rivers that flow into them, 75 ft from other waters and wetlands, and 250 ft in Resource Protection areas. You need shoreland approval from the Code Enforcement Officer for most work, and Board of Appeals approval to expand or move an older building that's too close to the water.Allowed with a permit
Docks, Piers & Floats Yes, with approval. A temporary (seasonal) dock needs shoreland zoning approval from Gorham's Code Enforcement Officer and can be no wider than 6 ft for non-commercial use. A new permanent pier or dock needs Planning Board approval, plus a Maine DEP permit, and is allowed only if you show a temporary dock isn't feasible.Allowed with a permit