Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Non-Conforming Structures in the Shoreland Zone
October 1996 (207)-287-2111

This publication is presented for "Classroom Use Only."  Its intended use is to stimulate and aid in discussion and role playing within a classroom setting.

The information presented in this Issue Profile is based on standards in the State of Maine Guidelines for Municipal Shoreland Zoning Ordinances. If your community's locally adopted shoreland zoning ordinance has more restrictive standards those more restrictive provisions apply.

What is a non-conforming structure?

A non-conforming structure is one which does not meet one or more of the following dimensional requirements: shoreline setback, height, or lot coverage. It is allowed to remain solely because it was in lawful existence at the time the ordinance or subsequent amendments took effect.

Non-conforming structures can be maintained and improved, without a permit, as part of normal upkeep. However, new additions, expansions, or relocations require a permit from the municipal officials before work can begin.

Are there limitations on expansions of non-conforming structures?

Yes. Since January 1, 1989 the State's Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act (Section 439-A(4)) has specifically limited expansions of non-conforming structures. The law prohibits any portion of a structure which does not meet the shoreline setback requirement (typically 75 or 100 feet) from being expanded by 30% or more in floor area and volume. In addition, such structures cannot be expanded closer to the shoreline.

Non-conforming structures can be expanded in stages. For example, one could add 15 percent to the volume of a structure one year and another 14 percent another year. However, once the structure has been expanded up to the 30% limitation (based on its size on 1/1/89), no additional expansions can be permitted no matter how many years have passed.

The expansion limitation noted in the above paragraph applies only to that part of the structure which is non-conforming. It does not apply to that part of the structure which meets the setback requirement. For example, if only a 10' x 28' section of a 40' x 28' building is non-conforming as to setback, only the 10' x 28' section is subject to the floor area and volume limitation. The remainder of the building can be expanded in compliance with other applicable standards, including lot coverage limitations (see diagram "A").

Why does the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act Establish a Cap on Expansions of Non-conforming Structures?

There are several reasons for the 30% expansion limitation. However, the primary goal is to balance the need to maintain vegetated areas near the shoreline in order to protect water quality and control stormwater runoff, and to preserve the natural character of Maine's shoreland areas, while providing some expansion potential for structures which are closer to the shoreline than current standards allow.

How are "volume" and "floor area" calculated?

Under the State Guidelines, floor area is the total square footage of all floors plus any porch and deck area. Volume is defined as the cubic footage of all spaces enclosed within the exterior walls and roof of a structure.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some town ordinances define volume and floor area to exclude certain areas such as unfinished attics, basements and certain storage areas. It is important to check the town ordinance before developing your plans.

Can I expand both the floor area and volume of my fully non-conforming structure up to the 30% limitation?

Yes. Both the volume and floor area can be expanded up to the 30% limitation. However, neither the floor area nor volume expansions can exceed the limitation. For example, if a proposal is made to expand the floor area by only 10%, but the proposed volume expansion is 35%, the project cannot be approved until the volume expansion is reduced below 30%.

Can a non-conforming structure be expanded in all directions?

No. Expansions which reduce the already non-conforming setback are not permitted. For example, regarding water and wetland setback requirements, no structure which is less than the required setback from the water or wetland, can be expanded toward the water or wetland. Similarly, a structure which exceeds the height limitation cannot be expanded upward. The same is true for the lot coverage limitation. If the buildings, driveways, and other non-vegetated areas already exceed the total lot coverage limitation, these areas cannot be expanded to further increase the lot coverage.

Although the Department's Guidelines do not require structures to be set back a minimum distance from roads and side lot lines, many local ordinances do contain such limitations and must be considered.

Can a foundation be added to a non-conforming structure?

Yes. Construction or enlargement of a foundation beneath an existing non-conforming structure is permitted. However, that addition will count toward the 30% expansion limitation unless: the structure and new foundation are placed such that the setback requirement is met to the greatest practical extent (may require movement of structure away from a waterbody or wetland); the foundation does not extend beyond the exterior dimensions of the structure; and the foundation does not cause the structure to be elevated by more than three (3) additional feet.

The State Guidelines do not require a structure to be moved away from the water or wetland when the replacement foundation is simply new posts, footings, slab, or similar foundation.

In most cases, applications for new or enlarged foundations are reviewed by the planning board.

Can a non-conforming structure be relocated on the same parcel provided that the setback is not further reduced?

Yes. However, if the structure is relocated it must meet the shoreline setback requirement to the greatest practical extent. If the lot has enough depth to relocate the structure beyond the setback requirement, the owner will be required to move the structure to that location. If the structure cannot be moved to the setback line, the owner will be required to move the building to the furthest practical distance from the waterbody or wetland.

If a non-conforming structure is damaged or destroyed can it be reconstructed or replaced?

Yes. If a structure is damaged or destroyed by less than 50% of the market value before such damage or destruction, it may be reconstructed in place after obtaining a permit from the local code enforcement officer. However, if the structure is damaged or destroyed by more than 50% of the market value of the structure before such damage or destruction occurred, it can only be reconstructed or replaced if the new structure is placed such that the setback requirement is met to the greatest practical extent, as determined by the planning board. The planning board must consider several factors when determining the appropriate setback, including the type and condition of any foundation which may have been part of the original structure.

The words "damaged" and "destroyed" include voluntary removal by the owners, as well as "Acts of God" such as fire, flood, wind or other causes.

Can the use of a non-conforming structure be changed to another use?

Perhaps. The use of a non-conforming structure can be changed provided that the new use will have no greater adverse impact on the water body or wetland, on the property itself, or on adjacent properties. That determination is made by the planning board.

If I have a non-conforming structure and wish to modify it, whom should I contact?

You should first contact the local code enforcement officer for information on permitting requirements. In most cases the code officer can provide appropriate application forms and will direct you to the planning board. Most significant modifications to non-conforming structures must go through planning board review.