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Important points to consider when buying land. Shoreland Zoning In addition to local zoning, the state of Maine has land use zoning laws that focus upon areas near great ponds, rivers and larger streams, coastal areas, and wetlands. These Shoreland Zoning laws require that municipalities protect shoreland areas through adopting shoreland zoning maps and ordinances. Zoning ordinances provide for what types of activities can occur in certain areas. For example, they address building size and setbacks, and the establishment of resource protection, general development, residential, and other zones. Shoreland areas include areas within 250 of the normal high-water line of any great pond, river or saltwater body, areas within 250 feet of the upland edge of a coastal wetland, areas within 250 feet of the upland edge of a freshwater wetland except in certain situations, and areas within 75 feet of the high-water line of a stream. The Maine Department of Environment Protection, in conjunction with municipal authorities area responsible for administering and enforcing shoreland. |
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