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Introduction To Important Regulations
There are numerous laws and regulations that waterfront property owners need to be aware of before altering the landscape, installing docks/ decks, or expanding structures. These regulations were implemented in the past 30 years because of deteriorating water quality in many lakes due to uncontrolled development.
By the 1960s it was clear that Maine's lakes were seriously threatened by land development. Political leaders and state agencies responded to this crisis by adopting a series of laws and regulations. The primary aspects of the new regulations are;
control of shoreline alteration called Shoreland Zoning - a state law requiring that each city or town adopt shoreland regulations conforming to state-set standard regulations. a plumbing code that set standards for private sewage systems; a minimum-lot-size law that controlled land divisions pending adoption of necessary controls by local governments; a "Site Law," which required state review and approval of developments over 20 acres;
These regulations achieved their aims to a large degree. The quality of new lakeshore development is far better than it was a generation ago. However, the laws and regulations on shoreland development, even if fully enforced, are only a partial answer to the long-term protection of Maine's lakes. Hopes for reducing threats to water quality will depend on education and on building a stronger ethic of landowner responsibility.
Regulations To Be Aware Of
Shoreland Zoning
Most land uses within 250 feet of Maines rivers, wetlands, lakes, the ocean, and within 75 feet of certain streams are subject to the regulations of Maines Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act. The law protects water quality, limits erosion, conserves wildlife and vegetation, and preserves the natural beauty of Maines shoreland areas. For more information go to the Shoreland Zoning page.
The Natural Resources Protection Act
Defines more specifically certain protected natural resources, especially water bodies and wildlife habitat. The law regulates work done in, over, or next to any body of water, as well as sand dunes, marshes and other wetlands, high mountain areas, and areas of designated significant wildlife habitat Regulated activities include soil disturbance by logging equipment, use of fill, stream or wetland crossings, and in some cases, clearing of vegetation for purposes other than forest management. In most cases, landowners conducting these activities must abide by certain standards and/or obtain a Department of Environmental Protection permit before beginning work.
See the Department of Environmental Protection's information on
[Natural Resources Protection Act]
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