New Maine ADU Guide Website
Takes homeowners from A…to U
By Amy Paradysz
You can dream it, but can you build it? Until now, that has been a thorny question when it comes to accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Wonder no more, because the ADU Wizard will tell you what’s allowed on your lot faster than you can order a pizza online. Just type in your address and get a “probably allowed” or “probably not allowed” answer, based on your property and town ordinances. Then you can select a floor plan and visualize ADU options within your property lines!
Backyard ADUs L-Line model in Brunswick. COURTESY PHOTO
This 1,100-square-foot two-bedroom ADU enables Sarae Pacetta of Portland to be closer to her aging parents and support them as their needs grow. PHOTO: TOM BELL
An 850-square foot cedar shingled ADU was the key to Portland brothers becoming next door neighbors. PHOTO: TOM BELL
This user-friendly online tool is part of a new Maine ADU Guide (MaineADUGuide.com) created to encourage homeowners to consider building a backyard cottage or converting a garage or basement into an apartment. The website addresses everything from inspiration and budgeting to design, permitting and construction. This resource is an initiative of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, with funding from the Housing Opportunity Program of the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development.
Why does Maine want to encourage homeowners to build ADUs? Because the state has a significant housing shortage. ADUs—built alongside existing water, sewer, electrical hookups and roads—are a relatively simple and economical way to boost the housing stock. For similar reasons, many homeowners find ADUs to be a practical solution for changing family needs, such as keeping in-laws, adult children or siblings close but with the privacy of separate living space.
You can learn more about ADUs at the Maine ADU Housing Summit & Expo on May 15, 2026 at Hannaford Hall (88 Bedford St.) at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. There’s a meeting for industry professionals (9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) followed by a Consumer Expo for homeowners (4:30–7 p.m.) and, for fun, a Maine Voices Live on-stage discussion featuring the cast of “Maine Cabin Masters.” Tickets and registration for these events available at pressherald.com/ADU.
This article appeared in the Spring 2026 edition of Green & Healthy Maine HOMES. Subscribe today!
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