Plain-English answers to common homeowner questions, taken from Scarborough's published ordinances, with every rule linked to the section it comes from.
Last reviewed
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Yes. Scarborough allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family home in all residential zones with a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer. The owner must live on the property, the ADU must be at least 190 sq ft (max generally 750 sq ft or a percentage of the house, whichever is greater), occupancy is limited to two people, and no extra parking is required.Allowed with a permit
Backyard Chickens Yes. Scarborough allows backyard chickens as an accessory agricultural activity in most residential zones: up to 5 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, up to 10 on lots of 10,000–39,999 sq ft, and any number on lots of 40,000 sq ft or more. Roosters are not allowed except on RF lots of at least 80,000 sq ft, and the henhouse must be at least 15 feet from property lines (or the district setback, if greater).Allowed
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO) It depends on your zone. In Scarborough's main residential zones (RF, RFM, R2, R3, R4, R4A), renting out the home you live in for under 28 days needs a special exception from the Zoning Board of Appeals unless the property is in the Coastal Beach Zone, and non-owner-occupied (investment) rentals are allowed only in the Coastal Beach Zone. Starting January 1, 2027 every short-term rental must also be registered with the Town Clerk (deadline December 31, 2026), and STRs are never allowed in an ADU or in the house on a lot with an ADU.Depends on your zone
Fences Scarborough's zoning ordinance we reviewed does not set fence height limits or fence setbacks for homes; fences are specifically excluded from the definition of "structure," so normal building setbacks don't apply. Exceptions: pools over 100 sq ft need a 4-foot child-proof fence, and fences near a protected wetland buffer can't have footings within 5 feet of the buffer. Check with Code Enforcement before building, especially on a corner lot or near wetlands.Not specifically regulated
Sheds & Accessory Buildings Yes, but you need a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer — Scarborough's zoning ordinance requires a permit for any building or structure and lists no small-shed exemption. In the standard residential districts a shed must be at least 15 feet from side and rear lot lines and meet the 30–50 foot front-yard setback for your district.Allowed with a permit
Burn Permits & Backyard Fires Scarborough's ordinances we reviewed don't regulate backyard brush burning or fire pits; the only open-fire rule we found bans open fires within the harbor. Before any outdoor burning, check with Scarborough Fire-Rescue, which handles burn permits through the Maine Forest Service burn permit system.Not specifically regulated
Home-Based Businesses Usually yes. A quiet in-home office with no customer visits, signs, or non-resident employees needs only a simple permit from the Code Enforcement Officer. A true home occupation (customers, one outside employee, retail sales) needs special exception approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals in residential zones, and may use no more than 20% of the home's floor area.Allowed with board review
Swimming Pools Yes, with a building permit. Scarborough treats swimming pools as accessory buildings, so a pool needs a permit and must meet your district's setbacks (15 feet from side and rear lines in the main residential zones). Pools over 100 sq ft of surface area must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 4 feet high with self-locking doors.Allowed with a permit
Building Near the Water (Shoreland Zoning) Scarborough's shoreland zone covers land within 250 feet of the ocean/tidal areas, rivers, great ponds and mapped freshwater wetlands (75 feet of streams). New houses, additions and accessory structures must be set back at least 75 feet from the water or wetland edge in the Shoreland Overlay (250 feet in Resource Protection), and work needs a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer or Planning Board.Allowed with a permit
Docks, Piers & Floats Yes, with town approval: a temporary (seasonal, under 7 months a year) dock or float needs a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer, and a permanent pier or dock needs Planning Board approval. Only one dock is allowed per lot (two with double the minimum shore frontage), and state and federal approvals are also required.Allowed with board review