
Waterfront Development
Living The Dream
Building a lakefront home is something that most people
can only dream about. If you're fortunate enough to be
actively pursuing that dream, or have already set up
your Adirondack chairs, PATCO Construction can help!
PATCO is fully versed in DEP permit requirements, as
well as all set back regulations. We're ready with the
skill and experience to get you through the special
challenges that waterfront construction / renovation
presents. PATCO has been building on Southern Maine and
New Hampshire waterfronts for over a quarter of a
century - that's experience you can trust!
Shoreland Zoning FAQ
Shoreline zoning regulations can seem overwhelming.
Take the stress out of building your special retreat -
let PATCO handle all of the necessary build
requirements - we're experts!
Yes. In recognition of the importance of the
shorelands of Maine's lakes, rivers,
wetlands and the ocean to the state's
environment and economy, a Shoreland Zoning
Act was first enacted in 1971. Since then,
these controls have been revised and
expanded. This act established minimum
zoning standards for all towns and
municipalities to adopt, and gave the state
an oversight role. IMPORTANT: Local
governments had to meet these requirements,
but they could be more stringent than the
state's guidelines, so with any specific
property/project, it is important to contact
the local government. Towns have the role of
issuing permits, appointing a Code
Enforcement Officer to enforce the
ordinances, and collect fees and record all
transactions.
- All land within 250 feet of the highwater line of any pond over 10 acres, any river that drains at least 25 square miles, and all tidal waters and saltwater marshes.
- All land within 250 feet of a freshwater wetland over 10 acres.
- All land within 75 feet of streams that are an outlet of great ponds or streams below the confluence of 2 perennial streams.
- The municipalities must map these areas and establish districts or zones within these areas for protected districts and residential, commercial or mixed-use districts.
It is measured horizontally from the normal
high water line, or in the case of a
wetland, the "upland edge". It is NOT the
uphill distance.
These are "non-conforming" and usually
pre-date the ordinance. A common situation
is where a building is sited too close to
the water. These non-conforming uses may be
repaired, renovated and maintained without a
permit, provided no expansion occurs.
No. The law does not permit any expansion
towards the water if the structure is
already less than the required setback.
However, a non-conforming structure that
existed on January 1, l989 may be expanded
less than 30% (based on the floor area and
volume of the structure), but only to the
part of the building that is within the
required setback - and, of course, with a
permit. Local municipalities may adopt some
other alternatives to the 30% rule. See the
local ordinance.
It may be possible to build a new or
enlarged basement under the structure. It
may be possible to relocate the structure.
If a building is damaged or destroyed and
loses more than 50 % of its value, it may be
possible to rebuild it. See the local
ordinance.
Shore frontage (the width of the lot at the
waterfront) and overall lot sizes standards
vary, depending on the type of use and type
of water body. Generally, the following
minimum standards apply:
The minimum lot width within 100 feet of the shoreline can be no less than the shore frontage standard.
Note: Land below normal high-water and roads cannot be included in the lot area. The frontage and lot size requirement applies to each principal structure or dwelling unit.
- Tidal Waters Inland Waters
- Residential Lot Size: 30,000 square feet, 40,000 square feet
- Residential Lot Frontage: 150 ft. shore frontage, 200 ft. shore frontage
- Commercial Lot Size: 40,000 square feet, 60,000 square feet
- Commercial Frontage 200 ft. shore frontage, 300 ft. shore frontage
The minimum lot width within 100 feet of the shoreline can be no less than the shore frontage standard.
Note: Land below normal high-water and roads cannot be included in the lot area. The frontage and lot size requirement applies to each principal structure or dwelling unit.
A non-conforming lot that predates the local
ordinance may be built upon either with or
without a variance, depending on the
situation, See the local Code Enforcement
Officer.
The setback for structures on great ponds or
rivers flowing into great ponds is 100 feet.
A 75 foot setback applies to all other water
bodies, streams and wetlands.
Yes. The maximum height of a new or expanded
structure is 35 feet, measured from the
downhill side of the building to the roof
peak. Additionally, the first floor must be
at least one foot above the 100 year flood
elevation. See the local town office.
Yes. Because solid surfaces increase runoff,
the total area of a lot coverage by
structures, driveways, parking areas, decks,
patios, and other non-vegetated surfaces is
limited to 20% in shoreland areas.
The setbacks are generally the same as for
structures, But there are specific
requirements as to banks, grades and
drainage that should be investigated. See
the local Code Enforcement Officer.
Yes. Before any development is undertakes,
it is essential that state and local
standards be investigated. In the case of
earth disturbance within 100 feet of a water
resource, a permit may be required for
excavating, filling, grading, placing
riprap, maintaining or replacing structures
including docks and retaining walls.
Stormwater vegetated buffers, while not
always required, are strongly encouraged to
help prevent erosion and polluted runoff
into water bodies.
Yes. Septic systems can work effectively for
25 years or more if properly maintained. But
its often a case of out of sight, out of
mind. A system can be failing or polluting
nearby surface water without there being
visible signs. So before purchasing property
with a septic system, ask for documentation
on design, location and maintenance, look
for signs of failure and have the system
professionally inspected.
If a new septic system is contemplated, it must be designed by a Maine licensed site evaluator and installed according to the standards in the Plumbing Code, as administered by the local Plumbing Inspector, with a permit, of course.
If a new septic system is contemplated, it must be designed by a Maine licensed site evaluator and installed according to the standards in the Plumbing Code, as administered by the local Plumbing Inspector, with a permit, of course.
On great ponds and rivers flowing into
them, there is a 100 foot buffer
zone:
No more than 40% of the total volume of trees over 4 inches in diameter may be harvested in any 10 year period.
Vegetation less than 3 feet in height, including ground cover, cannot be removed.
Pruning the lower 1/3 of tree branches within the buffer is permitted.
On all other water bodies the buffer zone is 75 feet and clearing is limited to 40% of volume in a 10 year period and no cleared openings. Also within these buffer zones:
No opening within the forest canopy can exceed 250 square feet.
A winding footpath is allowed, its width depending on the body of water.
Selective cutting is allowed according to an established rating system.
Clearing beyond the buffer zones and timber harvesting is also regulated. See the local ordinances.
No more than 40% of the total volume of trees over 4 inches in diameter may be harvested in any 10 year period.
Vegetation less than 3 feet in height, including ground cover, cannot be removed.
Pruning the lower 1/3 of tree branches within the buffer is permitted.
On all other water bodies the buffer zone is 75 feet and clearing is limited to 40% of volume in a 10 year period and no cleared openings. Also within these buffer zones:
No opening within the forest canopy can exceed 250 square feet.
A winding footpath is allowed, its width depending on the body of water.
Selective cutting is allowed according to an established rating system.
Clearing beyond the buffer zones and timber harvesting is also regulated. See the local ordinances.
Yes. But you may be required to obtain a
seasonal conversion permit from the local
Plumbing Inspector to ensure adequate
subsurface wastewater disposal systems are
in place to handle increased usage.
Private campsites are subject to the
following standards:
only one site per 30,000 square feet of lot is permitted; tents, recreational vehicles, cars, trailers, etc., must be set back 100 feet from a Great Pond, or river flowing to a Great Pond, and 75 feet from other water bodies;
no permanent foundation, except for a gravel pad, is allowed; clearing in the Resource Protection District is limited to 1000 square feet; approval of the method of sewage disposal is required from the Local Plumbing Inspector; and if the camper, tent, vehicle, or shelter is on-site for more than 120 days of the year, residential structure and sewage standards must be met.
only one site per 30,000 square feet of lot is permitted; tents, recreational vehicles, cars, trailers, etc., must be set back 100 feet from a Great Pond, or river flowing to a Great Pond, and 75 feet from other water bodies;
no permanent foundation, except for a gravel pad, is allowed; clearing in the Resource Protection District is limited to 1000 square feet; approval of the method of sewage disposal is required from the Local Plumbing Inspector; and if the camper, tent, vehicle, or shelter is on-site for more than 120 days of the year, residential structure and sewage standards must be met.
While it is permissible to pull water from a
lake or river, the problems are potability
and freezing of waterlines, so this is
typically a seasonal source for uses other
than drinking. Drilled wells (often called
artesian here) are the best permanent
source, with the probability of finding
water in Maine being excellent. For an
already developed property with a water
source, water quality, quantity and the
performance of the systems should be tested
by a lab and/or a well contractor.
- Lakefront Construction Specialists
- New Construction | Tear Downs | Renovations
- Fully Versed In DEP Permit Requirements
- Set Back Regulations | Shoreline Zoning Requirements
Contact Your Lake Organization
Great East Lake Improvement Association
Mousam Lake Region Association
Wilson Lake Association
Square Pond Improvement Association
Loon Pond Betterment Association
Moose Pond Association
Bunganut Pond Association
Kennebeunk Pond Facebook Group
Swan Lake Association
Bauneg Beg Lake Association
Balch Lake Improvement Committee
Belleau Lake Property Owners Association
Complete List of Southern Maine Lakes:
Maine Lakes Society
Lakes Environmental Association
Mr. Lakefront
Mousam Lake Region Association
Wilson Lake Association
Square Pond Improvement Association
Loon Pond Betterment Association
Moose Pond Association
Bunganut Pond Association
Kennebeunk Pond Facebook Group
Swan Lake Association
Bauneg Beg Lake Association
Balch Lake Improvement Committee
Belleau Lake Property Owners Association
Complete List of Southern Maine Lakes:
Maine Lakes Society
Lakes Environmental Association
Mr. Lakefront
A Beautiful Environment - Inside and Out















Protect Your Valuable Investment
With time, everything becomes "dated." The
weather takes it's toll, leaks appear, doors
warp, floors sag ... families grow and suddenly
cozy becomes cramped. Sooner or later that sweet
smell of pine is replaced by an unpleasant
mustiness. PATCO not only constructs new
lakefront homes, we also remodel existing camps,
cottages and homes. Whether it's your permanent
address or a seasonal retreat, enjoy every bit
of your perfect spot - inside and out!
A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and
expressive feature. It is earth’s eye; looking
into which the beholder measures the depth of
his own nature.
Henry David Thoreau
