Plain-English answers to common homeowner questions, taken from Harpswell's published ordinances, with every rule linked to the section it comes from.
Last reviewed
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Yes. Harpswell allows one accessory dwelling unit on any lot with a single-family home, inside the house, attached, or in a separate building, without extra lot area. The ADU can be up to 750 sq ft, the owner must live in either the house or the ADU, and it needs a Code Enforcement permit plus proof the septic system can handle both units.Allowed with a permit
Backyard Chickens Harpswell has no chicken-specific rules. The closest category is "agriculture" (which the ordinance defines as keeping animals for sale), and agriculture is which is allowed without a permit outside the shoreland zone and in the Shoreland Residential district, but needs a Planning Board permit in Resource Protection. There's no local limit on the number of hens and no rooster ban; manure can't be stored within 100 ft of the shore, a stream or a wetland.Allowed
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO) Harpswell's ordinances that we reviewed don't regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. We found no registration, license, fee, cap or minimum-stay rule. Renting out a residence isn't treated as a commercial use, and a bed and breakfast with up to 4 guest bedrooms in an owner-occupied home counts as a home occupation.Not specifically regulated
Fences Harpswell's land use ordinances don't set fence height limits or fence setbacks. Fences are specifically excluded from the definition of "structure," so the structure setbacks and permit rules don't apply to them. The main exceptions are pool fences, which must meet state pool-enclosure law, and vegetation-clearing limits near the shore.Allowed
Sheds & Accessory Buildings Yes, you need a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer for any shed or other accessory structure; there's no size exemption beyond tiny items like dog houses. Outside the shoreland zone a shed must be at least 20 ft from all lot lines and the road, and no taller than 35 ft. One small shed (80 sq ft or less, 10'6" tall) can sit up to 10 ft closer to a side or rear line with the abutter's written consent.Allowed with a permit
Burn Permits & Backyard Fires The Harpswell ordinances we reviewed have no local rules on brush burning, backyard fires or fire pits. Burning in Harpswell follows state rules, so get a burn permit from the Maine Forest Service online system or the local fire warden before burning brush or having a campfire on bare ground.Not specifically regulated
Home-Based Businesses Yes. Home occupations are allowed in all of Harpswell's zoning districts, and most need no permit. You need a Code Enforcement permit only if the business has public restrooms or showers or serves food to the public, and a Planning Board permit in Resource Protection areas unless the business is very low-impact. You can have up to 2 full-time employees besides residents and use up to 25% of the home's floor area.Allowed
Swimming Pools Pools are allowed, but every pool must have a fence enclosure that meets Maine's pool-fencing law, and Harpswell makes failing to do so an ordinance violation. A pool larger than 10 sq ft counts as a structure, so it needs a Code Enforcement permit and must sit at least 20 ft from lot lines inland (25 ft from property lines and 75 ft from the water in the shoreland zone).Allowed with a permit
Building Near the Water (Shoreland Zoning) Harpswell's shoreland zone covers land within 250 ft of the upland edge of coastal wetlands (the ocean and tidal areas) and freshwater wetlands, and of great ponds and rivers, and within 75 ft of streams. New buildings must be at least 75 ft from the water or wetland edge and 25 ft from property lines, and most homes and sheds need a Code Enforcement permit (Planning Board in Resource Protection). Older buildings closer than 75 ft can expand only within strict footprint and height caps, and no part within 25 ft of the water can be expanded (a house sitting entirely within 25 ft has its own, smaller caps).Allowed with a permit
Docks, Piers & Floats Yes, with a permit. A private, non-commercial pier or dock needs a Code Enforcement Officer permit in most shoreland districts (Planning Board in Resource Protection), can be no more than 6 ft wide, and can't extend below the low water line (ramps and floats excluded). Only one dock is allowed per lot, it must be 25 ft from side lines, and permanent structures also need DEP and Army Corps permits.Allowed with a permit