An Act To Allow People To Live in Tiny Homes as a Primary or Accessory Dwelling
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 1530
Committee: State and Local Government
Sponsors: McCREA, MAXMIN, COLLINGS, GERE, MILLETT, O'NEIL, PLUECKER, TALBOT ROSS, WARREN
Amends: 30-A MRSA §4301, 30-A MRSA §4363

Legislative Document
No. 1530
H.P. 1134
House of Representatives, April 19, 2021
An Act To Allow People To Live in Tiny Homes as a Primary or 
Accessory Dwelling
Received by the Clerk of the House on April 15, 2021.  Referred to the Committee on State 
and Local Government pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 
401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative McCREA of Fort Fairfield.
Cosponsored by Senator MAXMIN of Lincoln and
Representatives: COLLINGS of Portland, GERE of Kennebunkport, McCREIGHT of 
Harpswell, MILLETT of Cape Elizabeth, O'NEIL of Saco, PLUECKER of Warren, TALBOT 
ROSS of Portland, WARREN of Hallowell.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  30-A MRSA §4301, sub-§14-D is enacted to read:
14-D.  Tiny home.  "Tiny home" has the same meaning as in Title 29-A, section 101, 
subsection 80-C.
Sec. 2.  30-A MRSA §4363 is enacted to read:
§4363.  Tiny homes
1.  Tiny homes.  Regulation of tiny homes is governed by this section.  This section 
does not prohibit municipalities from establishing controls on tiny homes that are less 
restrictive than are permitted by this section.
2.  Location of tiny homes.  A municipality shall allow a tiny home to be placed or 
erected as a primary structure in a number of locations on an undeveloped house lot where 
a single-family dwelling is allowed or as a primary or accessory structure on property that 
already contains a structure.  No more than one tiny home may be placed on a lot unless 
the combined square footage of multiple tiny homes does not exceed 400 square feet.  A 
municipality may reduce the setback requirements for a tiny home from those required for 
a single-family home.
3.  Municipal inspection.  A tiny home may be placed on a property for 180 days 
without an inspection under this subsection.  A tiny home may be used as a dwelling.  A 
tiny home may be but is not required to be connected to a utility, including an electric 
service, a water service or, if the tiny home is connected to water service, a wastewater 
sewer or septic system of an adjoining structure.  A municipality may inspect the following 
for a tiny home:
A.  That the tiny home meets the requirements of Title 29-A, section 101, subsection 
80-C;
B.  That the tiny home is placed on a stable surface, ground or footing;
C.  Any utility connection to the tiny home; and
D.  If a tiny home is connected to a water service, all rules and requirements relating 
to wastewater.
4.  Municipal design criteria.  A municipality may establish design criteria for tiny 
homes, including a pitched, shingled roof and exterior siding or other exterior features that 
are residential in appearance, unless:
A.  The criteria have the effect of circumventing the purposes of this section; and
B.  The criteria are used to prevent the relocation of a tiny home that is legally sited as 
of January 1, 2021.
5.  Property tax.  A municipality may assess for and collect the tax under Title 36, 
Part 2 for a tiny home that is:
A.  Affixed to the property, including by way of a utility connection;
B.  In a state of completeness or permanency; and
C.  Located on the property for more than 180 days.
If a tiny home has been removed from a property, it is the responsibility of the property 
owner to inform the municipality for purposes of reassessment of the tax under this 
subsection.
SUMMARY
This bill establishes standards for municipalities to follow regarding tiny homes, which 
are structures no larger than 400 square feet constructed on a frame or chassis and designed 
for use as permanent living quarters.  The bill allows municipalities to set rules for tiny 
homes that are less restrictive than state law, allows tiny homes on undeveloped and 
developed housing lots, allows municipal inspection of certain features of tiny homes and 
provides for tiny homes to be assessed for property tax purposes after 180 days in certain 
circumstances.