Bolthole Index

York County, Maine

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Town of Alfred, Maine

The Town of Alfred, Maine requires a building permit for most construction, issued through its Code Enforcement Officer1. Alfred sets its own zoning under Chapter 1602. New homes in the Rural Residential and Critical Rural districts need a growth permit first3. Septic permits come from the town's Local Plumbing Inspector, the same person as the Code Enforcement Officer4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction; sheds up to 120 square feet are exempt1
Zoning
Town of Alfred Chapter 160 zoning districts25
New dwellings in Rural Residential and Critical Rural
Growth permit required first; $25 application fee36
Septic
Permit and inspections from the town's Local Plumbing Inspector47
Rural Residential minimum lot
Three acres (130,680 square feet) for a single-family home8
Building code
Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code adopted by the town9
Property tax (York County)
About 1% effective rate10

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Alfred Code Enforcement Office

Building, plumbing and mechanical permits, land use and shoreland rules, flood plain coordination and septic installation inspections inside the Town of Alfred

207-324-5872 ext 206

alfred_ceo@alfredme.gov

16 Saco Road, PO Box 850, Alfred, ME 04002

Septic permits

Maine CDC, Subsurface Wastewater Program

Statewide septic rules, forms and fee schedule; the permit itself is issued by the town's Local Plumbing Inspector

(207) 287-2070

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 Town of Alfred means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Does Alfred, Maine have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Yes. The Town of Alfred divides its land into zoning districts under Chapter 1602. The districts include Center Village, Village, Mixed Use, Commercial, Rural Residential, Critical Rural, Wellhead Protection, Resource Protection, Shoreland Limited Residential and Stream Protection5. The official zoning map is kept on file in the office of the town clerk5.

Rules differ by district, so find your parcel's district first. In Alfred's Rural Residential District, a single-family dwelling needs a lot of three acres (130,680 square feet)8. Principal structures there need a 75-foot front setback, a 25-foot side setback and a 25-foot rear setback, and buildings may cover at most 20% of the lot1112. In the Village District, the street setback is 50 feet, side and rear setbacks are 25 feet, and lot coverage tops out at 25%1314. A Village District single-family lot not on public water or a new town street needs 87,120 square feet15.

Do you need a building permit in Alfred, and who issues it?

Yes. The Alfred Code Enforcement Officer administers building permits for anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building in the Town of Alfred1. One-story detached sheds and similar structures of 120 square feet or less, fences up to 6 feet, sidewalks, and replacement roofing or siding with no structural change are exempt, though the Code Enforcement Officer asks to be consulted first1. The town has adopted the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code as Chapter 88 of its town code9.

Building, plumbing and mechanical permits can be filed through the town's online permitting portal, and paper applications are still accepted1617.

Do you need a growth permit before building a new house in Alfred?

In the Critical Rural and Rural Residential districts, yes. A new dwelling unit there needs a growth permit before the building permit application, unless an exemption in § 138-6 applies3. Exemptions include work that creates no new dwelling units and qualifying affordable units3. Once the growth permit is approved, the holder has 90 days to obtain the building permit or the growth permit becomes void3.

The application goes to the Code Enforcement Officer with a deed or purchase and sale agreement, building plans, an HHE-200 septic design, a plot plan and the $25 fee186. The Code Enforcement Officer may issue residential building permits only to holders of a valid growth permit18. Other building permit fees are on the town's fee schedule, which we could not confirm; ask the Code Enforcement Office.

How do septic permits work in Alfred?

Septic permits in Alfred are local. The town is required by state statute to employ a Local Plumbing Inspector, and in Alfred the Code Enforcement Officer holds that job; the inspector issues plumbing permits and inspects the installation of subsurface wastewater disposal systems417. Statewide, installing a new, expanded or replacement septic system requires a permit before work begins, and the permit is valid for work started within 24 months19.

Expect a site evaluation and a licensed site evaluator's design, since an application must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator or engineer20. The system must pass two inspections, one before installation and one before final backfilling21. A complete non-engineered system carries a $250 state fee schedule amount, and towns may add their own fees22. In York County only about 4% of soils rate as not limited for a conventional drain field, so plan on a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system23.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Alfred?

We could not confirm Alfred's rule for living in a recreational vehicle or camping on private land; ask the Code Enforcement Officer before parking one on a lot. Maine's campground and 150-day camping rules cover commercial campgrounds and the state's unorganized territory, not an organized town like Alfred, so they do not answer this question24.

For tiny homes, Maine law requires a municipality to permit a qualifying tiny home on a lot where single-family dwellings are allowed, subject to the same land use requirements as a single-family dwelling25. Manufactured housing must likewise be allowed wherever single-family homes are allowed26.

Building a home in Alfred: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm your parcel's zoning district with the Code Enforcement Office and the zoning map at the town clerk's office5.
  2. Hire a licensed site evaluator for an HHE-200 septic design18.
  3. In Rural Residential or Critical Rural, apply for a growth permit with your deed or purchase and sale agreement, plans, plot plan and the $25 fee186.
  4. Apply for the building permit within 90 days of growth permit approval3.
  5. Get the septic permit from the Local Plumbing Inspector before any septic work starts22.
  6. If the driveway meets a state road, obtain a MaineDOT driveway permit; the town cannot issue permits for land abutting state roads without it27.
  7. Schedule the site-preparation and final backfill septic inspections21.

What stays with York County and the state, and what to check before you buy in Alfred

York County does not issue building permits or zoning; the town does. The county page at York County covers land outside Alfred. The state sets the septic rules, and the Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater Program publishes the forms and fee schedule20. Driveways onto state roads need a MaineDOT permit27.

Before buying, ask the Code Enforcement Office about floodplain status, since the Code Enforcement Officer handles flood plain coordination17. We could not confirm well, floodplain or accessory dwelling rules in Alfred itself. York County's effective property tax rate is about 1%10.

Watch-outs

  • Growth permits for new dwellings in the Critical Rural and Rural Residential districts must be in hand before applying for a building permit, and the building permit must follow within 90 days3.
  • We could not confirm Alfred's rules on RVs, accessory dwellings, wells, building height, floodplain development or short-term rentals; ask the Code Enforcement Office at 207-324-5872 ext 20617.
  • A MaineDOT driveway permit must be issued before the town issues permits for land abutting state roadways27.

Sources

  1. Code Enforcement (Town of Alfred, ME official website) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 160 Zoning, § 160-16 Zoning districts (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  3. Chapter 138 Residential Growth (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  4. Code Enforcement (Town of Alfred, ME official website) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  5. Chapter 160 Zoning, § 160-16 Zoning districts (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  6. Chapter 138 Residential Growth (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  7. Code Enforcement (Town of Alfred, ME official website) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  8. Article X: Rural Residential District, Chapter 160 Zoning (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  9. Chapter 88 Building Construction, Article I Building Code (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  10. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Article X: Rural Residential District, Chapter 160 Zoning (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  12. Article X: Rural Residential District, Chapter 160 Zoning (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  13. Village District, Chapter 160 Zoning, § 160-46 (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  14. Village District, Chapter 160 Zoning, § 160-46 (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  15. Village District, Chapter 160 Zoning, § 160-46 (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  16. Code Enforcement (Town of Alfred, ME official website) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  17. Town of Alfred Code Enforcement Office (alfredme.gov)
  18. Chapter 138 Residential Growth (Town of Alfred, ME eCode360) (Town of Alfred), quoted and re-checked
  19. Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  20. Maine CDC, Subsurface Wastewater Program (maine.gov)
  21. Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  22. Subsurface Wastewater System Permitting (Maine statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. 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
  24. Maine Land Use Planning Commission Chapter 2, Definitions (Maine statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Title 30-A, §4363: Regulation of tiny homes (Maine statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Title 30-A, §4358: Regulation of manufactured housing (Maine statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. 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 Town of Alfred

Town of Alfred’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New dwelling units in the Critical Rural and Rural Residential districts of Alfred town

    • A growth permit must be obtained before applying for a building permit for a new dwelling unit, unless exempt under § 138-6.
    • Exemptions include repair, replacement or alteration that creates no new dwelling units, and construction of affordable units under 30-a M.R.S. § 4360 subpart 3c.
    • A growth permit holder must obtain the building permit within 90 days of approval or the growth permit is void.
    “before an applicant can apply for a building permit to construct a new dwelling unit within the town of alfred in the critical rural or rural residential districts, as defined in chapter 160, the applicant must obtain a growth permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, unless exempted below.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, demolition or occupancy change of buildings in Alfred town, administered by the Code Enforcement Officer
      “required any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside Alfred town limits

    • Adopts the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, 2009 edition, as Chapter 88 of the Town code.
    • The adopting article also refers to changes that may occur after the article's acceptance date; the wording on those later changes was not confirmed.
    “a certain document, a copy of which is on file with the town clerk of the town of alfred being marked and designated as the maine uniform building and enemy code, 2009 is hereby adopted as chapter 88 of the code of the town of alfred”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Alfred town limits, under the Town of Alfred Chapter 160 Zoning ordinance

    • Each district in Chapter 160 carries its own use and dimensional rules; see the district claims.
    “to implement the provisions of this chapter, the town of alfred is hereby divided into the following districts:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts of the Town of Alfred (inside town limits)

    • § 160-16 lists: Center Village; Village; Mixed Use 1, 2 and 3; Commercial; Rural Residential; Critical Rural; Wellhead Protection 1, 2 and 3; Resource Protection; Shoreland Limited Residential; Stream Protection; and the Fort Ridge drainage overlay.
    • The official zoning map is kept on file in the office of the town clerk.
    “the official zoning map is to be kept on file in the office of the town clerk.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings in Alfred's Rural Residential District (§ 160-58)

    • Two-family dwelling: 130,680 square feet for the first unit plus 65,340 square feet for the second unit.
    • Other uses: three acres/130,680 square feet.
    • Applies to buildings and lots except legal nonconformities and subject to Articles XVII and XVIII.

    minimum lot size, single-family dwelling: >= 130680 square feet (three acres; two-family and other uses have separate figures)

    “(1) single-family dwellings: three acres/130,680 square feet. (2) two-family dwelling: 130,680 square feet for the first dwelling unit plus 65,340 square feet for the second dwelling unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings in Alfred's Village District (§ 160-46)
      “(2) single-family dwelling on lots meeting the following requirements: served by public water, on a new lot, and fronting on a new street built to town specifications: 43,560 square feet/one acre.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal structures in Alfred's Rural Residential District (§ 160-58)

    • Front setback may be the existing principal-structure setback as of March 10, 2006, if less than 75 feet.

    front setback from street right-of-way: >= 75 feet (or the existing principal structure setback as of March 10, 2006, whichever is less) · side setback: >= 25 feet · rear setback: >= 25 feet

    “c. minimum yard dimensions. (1) setback from street right-of-way: 75 feet, or the street right-of-way setback of existing principal structures on the lot as of march 10, 2006, whichever is less. (2) side setback: 25 feet. (3) rear setback: 25 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in Alfred's Village District (§ 160-46), residential and nonresidential uses

    • Applies to both residential and nonresidential uses.

    maximum lot coverage, residential: <= 25 percent · maximum lot coverage, nonresidential: <= 25 percent

    “d. maximum lot coverage. (1) residential: 25%. (2) nonresidential: 25%.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Subsurface wastewater (septic) systems inside Alfred town

    • Alfred must employ a state-certified local plumbing inspector (LPI); the position is held by the CEO.
    • Growth permits for new dwellings require an HHE-200 septic design signed by a state-licensed site evaluator (§ 138-9c).
    “alfred is required by state statute to employ a state certified local plumbing inspector (lpi). in alfred this position is included in the responsibilities of the ceo. the lpi issues all plumbing permits, inspects the installation of all sub surface waste water disposal systems (sswds), and all internal plumbing installations.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface wastewater (septic) disposal systems in Alfred town

    • Inspection is performed by the LPI (the CEO).
    “the lpi issues all plumbing permits, inspects the installation of all sub surface waste water disposal systems (sswds), and all internal plumbing installations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land into lots in Alfred town

    • Subdivision is governed by Chapter 148, Subdivision of land (§ 148-1 to § 148-72), per the eCode360 index.
    • Chapter 148 text was not opened.
    “building construction — see ch. 88. subdivision of land — see ch. 148. zoning — see ch. 160.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Growth permit application fee for new dwelling units in the Critical Rural and Rural Residential districts only

    • Other permit fees (building, plumbing, land use) are not covered by this claim; the Code Enforcement page links a permit fee schedule that was not opened.
    • Chapter 49 (Plumbing fees, § 49-1) is in the code index but was not opened.

    growth permit application fee: 25 USD (payable to the Town of Alfred; growth permit only)

    “f. a fee of $25, payable to the town of alfred.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Growth permits for new dwelling units in the Critical Rural and Rural Residential districts

    • Application is made by the owner of record or a holder of a valid purchase and sale agreement; the application must include deed or P&S, building plans, HHE-200 septic design, plot plan and the $25 fee (§§ 138-8 and 138-9).
    • Growth permits are issued by the CEO, who may issue residential building permits only to holders of a valid growth permit (§ 138-7).
    “the code enforcement officer (ceo) shall administer the issuance of growth permits, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, and shall only issue residential building permits to those applicants who hold a valid growth permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Building, plumbing and mechanical permits processed through the Town's online permitting system
      “construction: building permits, plumbing permits, and mechanical permits (including generators). land & safety: sign permits and tree removal permits (within the shoreland district).”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder treatment for permits in Alfred town
  • Inspections — Building inspections inside Alfred town
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy inside Alfred town
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area in Alfred town
  • Building height — Building height limits in Alfred town
12 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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 Town of Alfred publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. York County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of York County: county rules, score and offices