Bolthole Index

Penobscot County, Maine

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Old Town, Maine

Old Town, Maine requires a building permit before anyone starts, alters or removes a building inside city limits1. The city administers its own zoning ordinance through its building inspector2. Septic systems follow Maine's statewide subsurface wastewater rules, and the application is filed with the building permit when no public sewer serves the lot3. Land outside the city falls under a different office.

At a glance

Building permit
Required inside city limits before work starts1
Zoning
City zoning ordinance with residential, commercial and industrial districts24
Septic
State subsurface wastewater rules; HHE-200 filed with the building permit3
Minimum lot with septic
1 acre for a dwelling with a septic system, except cluster developments5
Certificate of occupancy
Required for new buildings before sale, lease or occupancy6
Tiny homes
Maine law requires municipalities to allow them on house lots where single-family homes are allowed7

Who to call

Building permits

City of Old Town Code Enforcement

Building permits, plumbing permits, electrical permits, sign permits and flood hazard development permits inside Old Town city limits

207-827-3965

265 Main Street Old Town, ME 04468

Septic permits

Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater Program

Statewide septic rules, forms and fee schedule; the Local Plumbing Inspector examines and issues the permit

(207) 287-2070

[email protected]

109 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Old Town means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Old Town, Maine?

Yes. Inside Old Town city limits, starting construction, alteration or removal of any building without a building permit is unlawful1. The application is in writing, in duplicate, signed, and includes a site plan1. The building inspector has 30 days to answer, and silence counts as a refusal8. A permit lapses if no significant progress is made within one year1.

The city's building code adopts the International Building Code and International Residential Code9. Before a new building is sold, leased or occupied, the builder secures an occupancy permit from the city manager6. Building permit fees follow a city schedule we could not read; ask the code enforcement office for the current amount.

Who issues building permits in Old Town, and how do you reach them?

Old Town's code enforcement office issues building permits, plumbing permits, electrical permits, sign permits and flood hazard development permits10. It sits at City Hall, 265 Main Street, and answers at 207-827-396510. Zoning is enforced by the same building inspector2.

The Maine Land Use Planning Commission handles unorganized townships, not Old Town. Land outside city limits is covered on the Penobscot County page, so confirm the parcel is inside the city before you call.

Does Old Town have zoning, and what does it mean for homes, lots and setbacks?

Old Town has its own zoning ordinance with residential, commercial and industrial districts plus shoreland overlays24. Rules differ by district, so find the parcel's district on the city zoning map first.

In the R-1 low density residence zone, a residence needs 9,000 square feet, with 1,500 more for a two-family dwelling11. R-1 requires a 20-foot front yard12. In R-2, the lot minimum is 9,000 square feet plus 1,000 for each added unit13. R-2 yards are 20 feet front, 10 feet side and 20 feet rear14. R-2 lot coverage is 30 percent15 and height is capped at 35 feet16.

Anywhere in the city, a dwelling with a septic system needs a 1-acre lot, except in cluster developments5. Newer mobile homes are a permitted use in designated R-3a zones17. These figures come from the city's 2009 ordinance PDF, so confirm current numbers with the code enforcement office.

How do septic permits work inside Old Town?

Septic is a state-rules matter even inside city limits. Where no public sewer serves the site, the subsurface wastewater application (HHE-200) is filed together with the building permit application3. Maine CDC administers the statewide rules, and the Local Plumbing Inspector examines applications1819.

A permit is required before installing a new, expanded or replacement system, and the application needs a licensed site evaluator20. Scheduled fees include $250 for a complete non-engineered system and $100 for a primitive or limited system20. The system must pass two inspections, one before installation and one before final backfilling21. Penobscot County soils rate poorly for conventional drain fields, with only 2.4% rated not limited, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system22. Whether your lot can connect to city sewer was not confirmed; ask the code enforcement office.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Old Town?

Maine law requires municipalities to allow a tiny home on a house lot where single-family dwellings are allowed, if it meets the land-use rules for single-family homes or accessory structures7. Manufactured housing must likewise be allowed where single-family homes are23.

For RVs and travel trailers, the city's zoning ordinance has a section on mobile homes and travel trailers that we could not confirm, so ask the code enforcement office before parking an RV to live in.

Building a home in Old Town: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel is inside Old Town city limits and find its zoning district with the code enforcement office10.
  2. Check the district's lot size and yard rules, and the 1-acre minimum if you will use septic5.
  3. If no public sewer serves the site, hire a licensed site evaluator and complete the HHE-200320.
  4. File the building permit application with a site plan, in duplicate1.
  5. Get the Local Plumbing Inspector's septic inspections at the two required stages21.
  6. Secure the occupancy permit before anyone moves in6.

What to check before you buy land in Old Town

Look at flood hazard first: any development in an area of special flood hazard needs a permit from the building inspector24. Shoreland zoning also applies alongside the district rules2.

For planning budgets, Penobscot County's effective property tax rate is 1.3% with a median bill of $2,435 per year2526. The county's typical home value is $289,98127. A driveway onto a state or state-aid highway may need a MaineDOT permit, while local streets are normally a municipal matter28.

Watch-outs

  • Old Town's published zoning figures come from a 2009 copy of the ordinance, so confirm lot sizes, setbacks and heights with the code enforcement office before relying on them11.
  • We could not confirm Old Town's rules on owner-built homes, wells, accessory dwellings or RV occupancy; ask the code enforcement office at 207-827-396510.
  • Septic permits are issued under state rules even though the city handles the building permit, so start the site evaluation early3.

Sources

  1. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  2. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  3. City of Old Town Chapter 6 Buildings, International Building Code ordinance (City website PDF) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  4. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  5. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  6. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  7. Title 30-A, §4363: Regulation of tiny homes, quoted and re-checked
  8. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  9. City of Old Town Chapter 6 Buildings, International Building Code ordinance (City website PDF) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  10. City of Old Town Code Enforcement (old-town.org)
  11. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  12. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  13. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  14. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  15. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  16. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  17. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  18. Subsurface Wastewater Unit, quoted and re-checked
  19. Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  20. Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  21. Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Title 30-A, §4358: Regulation of manufactured housing, quoted and re-checked
  24. City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance (City website PDF, dated June 1, 2009) (Old Town), quoted and re-checked
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  28. Driveway and Entrance Permitting, quoted and re-checked

Written October 23, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Old Town

Old Town’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration or removal of any building inside Old Town city limits.

    • Permit must be issued in conformity with the zoning ordinance before work starts.
    • Application must be in writing, in duplicate, signed by the applicant, with a site plan (section 106.2).
    • If no significant progress is made within one year of issuance, the permit expires (section 106.2).
    “it shall be unlawful for any person(s) to start work for the purpose of construction, alteration or removal of any building unless a building permit has been issued in conformity with this ordinance.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    All buildings and structures inside Old Town city limits, under the city's Chapter 6 Buildings adoption of the International Building Code and International Residential Code.

    • The city's copy is marked 'adopted by city council 5/5/08 proposed draft 2/08'; confirm the operative adoption date before relying on the edition.
    • Sec. 6-4 deletes or modifies several chapters and sections, including the plumbing and private sewage references, which are replaced by Maine internal plumbing rules and Maine subsurface waste water disposal rules.
    • Where the building code conflicts with the zoning ordinance, the zoning ordinance controls (sec. 6-3).
    “the building code is adopted by the city of old town in the state of maine for the control of buildings and structures as herein provided”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings inside Old Town city limits that are built under a city building permit.

    • The building code is adopted for 'making of inspections'; the section does not list an inspection schedule, so the exact inspection stages were not confirmed.
    • The building official is the city code enforcement officer (sec. 6-3).
    “providing for the issuance of permits, collection of fees, making of inspections: providing penalties for the violation thereof; known as the building code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Any new building or buildings inside Old Town city limits, before sale, lease or occupancy.

    • Occupancy permit is issued by the city manager after the city checks that all zoning and city ordinance requirements are met (section 106.4(a)).
    • Section 106.4(b) addresses other occupancy situations and was not fully read.
    “prior to the sale, lease or occupancy of any new building or buildings, the builder or developer (person who received a valid building permit) will secure an occupancy permit from the city manager stating that such new structure is in conformity with the codes and ordinances of the city of old town.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    All land inside Old Town city limits; the city administers its own zoning ordinance (titled City of Old Town Zoning Ordinance) through its building inspector.

    • The copy reviewed is the City-website PDF dated June 1, 2009; the eCode360 zoning chapter (chapter Z) could not be opened in this run, so later amendments are not reflected.
    • Shoreland zoning (section 104.21) and flood hazard provisions (section 104.22) are supplemental to the district zones.
    “the provisions of this ordinance shall be administered and enforced by the building inspector.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts of Old Town city.

    • Classes listed in section 103 are r-1, r-2, r-3, r-4, r-5, c-1, c-3, c-4, i-1, i-2, p and shoreland overlays; the zoning map is kept by the city and was not opened.
    • From the June 1, 2009 zoning ordinance PDF; current map and ordinance not confirmed.
    “for the purpose of this ordinance, the city is hereby divided into the following classes of zones: low density residence to be known as r-1 zones.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residence uses in the R-1 low density residence zone inside Old Town city limits.

    • Figures are from the June 1, 2009 zoning ordinance PDF; current eCode360 values not confirmed.
    • Lot size for two-family dwellings and elderly housing differs as stated in the same clause.

    minimum lot area, residence: 9000 sq ft (plus 1,500 sq ft for each two-family dwelling; elderly housing 7,000 sq ft plus 700 sq ft per additional unit)

    “a. residence: nine thousand (9,000) square feet plus one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet additional for two-family dwellings except elderly housing, seven thousand (7,000) square feet plus seven hundred (700) square feet for each additional unit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential uses in the R-2 general residence zone inside Old Town city limits.
      “a. residences: nine thousand (9,000) square feet plus one thousand (1,000) square feet for each additional dwelling unit over one, except elderly housing, seven thousand (7,000) square feet plus seven hundred (700) square feet for each additional unit over one.”
    • Specified — Any dwelling served by a septic system anywhere inside Old Town city limits, in any zone, except cluster developments.
      “except for cluster developments, the minimum lot size for all dwellings with a septic system shall be one (1) acre.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal structures in the R-2 general residence zone inside Old Town city limits.

    • From the June 1, 2009 zoning ordinance PDF; current eCode360 values not confirmed.
    • Accessory structures may use reduced side and rear yards of at least three feet under the separate accessory-structure clause.

    front yard depth: 20 ft · side yard depth: 10 ft · rear yard depth: 20 ft

    “minimum yard depths for principal structures: a. front yard: twenty (20) feet. b. side yards: ten (10) feet. c. rear yard: twenty (20) feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal structures in the R-2 general residence zone inside Old Town city limits.

    • Elderly housing has a higher limit.
    • From the June 1, 2009 zoning ordinance PDF.

    maximum lot coverage: 30 percent (fifty (50) percent for elderly housing)

    “(5) maximum lot coverage: thirty (30) per cent, except that in elderly housing maximum lot coverage shall be fifty (50) per cent.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal buildings in the R-2 general residence zone inside Old Town city limits.

    • From the June 1, 2009 zoning ordinance PDF; current eCode360 values not confirmed.
    • Federal aviation height requirements apply in airport approach areas (section 104.20).

    maximum building height: <= 35 ft

    “(4) maximum height of buildings: thirty-five (35) feet.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Newer mobile homes inside the R-3a zones of Old Town city, as designated on the official zoning map.

    • Allowed only in compliance with zoning section 104.12 and chapter 18 of the city code of ordinances.
    • Permitted use listed under the R-3 rural residence and farming zone (section 111.2(b)(12)); other zones are not covered by this line.
    “(12) allow newer mobile homes in r-3a zones as designated on the official zoning map in compliance with section 104.12 and chapter 18 of the city code of ordinances.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Any development inside areas of special flood hazard in Old Town city limits.

    • Applies to areas of special flood hazard; flood hazard regulations are in section 104.22.
    • Permit issued by the building inspector.
    “in areas of special flood hazard, all forms of development shall require a permit from the building inspector.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building permit application process inside Old Town city limits.

    • Application must be in writing, in duplicate, signed, with a site plan showing lot and building shape, size, height and location (section 106.2).
    • Building inspector must decide within thirty days of filing or the permit is deemed refused (section 106.2).
    • Fee is set by reference to the chapter 6 schedule, which was not read.

    decision deadline: 30 days

    “failure of the building inspector to issue written notice of his decision within thirty (30) days of the date of filing of the application shall constitute refusal of the permit.”

Rules another office applies inside Old Town

Old Town does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Septic permitRequired

    New buildings on lots inside Old Town city limits that are not served by a public sewer.

    • The HHE-200 subsurface wastewater application must be completed under the state subsurface wastewater disposal rules and filed with the building permit application.
    • Application for the building permit itself is described in the zoning ordinance section 106.2.
    “when the site is not served by a public sewer, the application for subsurface waste water disposal (hhe200) shall be filed along with the building permit application.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Old Town or Penobscot County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built homes inside Old Town city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area of a dwelling inside Old Town city limits.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term RV or travel trailer occupancy on private land inside Old Town city limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Old Town city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny home occupancy inside Old Town city limits.
9 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Old Town publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Penobscot County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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