What do people in Greater Portland think about ADUs? Read the survey results.
We surveyed 697 residents in Greater Portland to learn what would motivate them to build an ADU and what the biggest barriers are. Read the survey results.
Podcast Episode: Is an ADU right for you?
Are you thinking about building an accessory dwelling unit in your backyard? Host Tom Bell talks with some experts: Matt Grooms, deputy planning director of the Planning & Economic Urban Development Department for the City of Portland, Portland Press Herald reporter Hannah LaClaire, who has been doing extensive reporting about ADUs for an upcoming story, and Austin […]
Read the Press Herald series on ADUs
Designing ADUs that are accessible for older people and people with disabilities
When designing an ADU, plan ahead and think about how you or a family member will be able navigate their home when they are older and have mobility issues. People have already thought a lot about this and have developed some great accessible designs. The single floor plans are a nice start for aging in […]
Creating a Home and adding more space with an ADU
Host Tom Bell explores how Accessory Dwelling Units are helping Maine homeowners navigate the state’s housing affordability crisis. He talks with two local residents—Mark Baker of Portland and Keri Ouellette of South Portland—who have each built an ADU for different reasons. Mark Baker and his wife, Lynn, recently retired and wanted to move from Fresno, […]
Municipal ADU Guidebooks
Several cities and towns in Maine have their own guidebooks describing local rules and regulations around ADUs. We’ve compiled them below for your convenience: BiddefordCity ADU ordinance page outlining ADU allowances and standards.📎 Biddeford ADU info: https://www.biddefordmaine.org/3127/Accessory-Dwelling-Units-ADUsbiddefordmaine.org CumberlandLocal ADU regulations and rules (summarized by third-party ADU rule tracking).📎 Cumberland ADU rules summary: https://backyardadus.com/adu-regulations-me/cumberland-me Backyard ADUs LewistonOfficial municipal ADU […]
Renting Out Your ADU
After your final inspection and the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, your ADU is ready for move-in! This might be you, a friend, a family member, or a tenant. There are many benefits to sharing your property with a tenant, but renting also comes with many responsibilities – make sure you have a good sense […]
Maine ADUs radio show
Host Kristina Egan explores how Accessory Dwelling Units—or ADUs—can help address the region’s housing shortage while offering financial benefits to owners and occupants. Whether you’re curious about the cost, permitting process or return on investment, this episode offers practical insights from Nell Donaldson, Director of Special Projects for the City of Portland, Austin Gregory, Chief […]