PATTEN, Maine – Patten residents passed four new town ordinances, including one that gives tiny homes the same status as conventional homes, during a July 23 town meeting.
The ordinances, Tiny Homes, Park Model, Fire Department and Holding Tank, originated with the planning commission and were approved by the selectboard earlier in July. At the end of the month, they passed with a majority town vote, according to town officials.
With the Tiny Homes Ordinance, the structure is considered a permanently constructed living space not to exceed 400 square feet and can be placed on an individual house lot or as an accessory building.
In 2021, the state passed LD 1981, giving tiny homes the same status and similar regulations as conventional single family homes. Several Maine towns including Wiscasset, New Gloucester, Chelsea, Stonington, Hollis, and Old Orchard Beach, have passed Tiny Home Ordinances.
The new town law mirrors state rules, stipulating that the home must have at least a 10-foot wide driveway with six-inch deep compacted gravel. Additionally, it must be placed on a full concrete foundation with all-weather skirting around the entire structure.
According to the new tiny homes ordinance, the structure will be taxed as real property, not personal property. The code will be enforced by the town code enforcement officer.
The Fire Department Ordinance establishes a municipal fire department. The chief and assistant chief will be appointed by the town selectboard for one-year terms. According to the ordinance, compensation will be determined by the board.
The Park Model Ordinance regulates the location and placement of trailer structures that do not exceed 600 square feet. Similar to the tiny homes ordinance, they must have a driveway, a concrete foundation and all weather skirting around the entire structure.
The Holding Tank Ordinance governs the use and maintenance of holding tanks designed to receive and retain wastewater for both residential and commercial uses.
According to the ordinance, holding tanks cannot be used for seasonal conversions or new construction within the town’s shoreland zone. Additionally, only authorized municipal employees can collect, transport or dispose of holding tank contents.
