Waterville City Zoning Code

Single-family dwellings, including manufactured housing as defined. Mobile homes are subject to the requirements in § 275-4.19, Mobile home parks and mobile homes on house lots outside of mobile home parks.

Two-family dwellings and alteration of single-family dwellings to accommodate no more than two families, provided that the parking standard and the dimensional requirements of the zone are met.

Accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37, unless private covenants apply

New multifamily dwellings and conversions of existing buildings to multifamily dwellings as provided in § 275-4.20 and Chapter 244, Subdivision of Land; Site Plan Review, of the City Code. Notwithstanding the above, the Code Enforcement Officer may approve conversions of existing buildings to create as many as three units, if those conversions do not constitute subdivisions.

Community living arrangements, as defined in § 275-3.2.

Private and public schools, if adequately screened and fenced recreational areas are provided.

Public service facilities, including public parks and community centers. (See § 275-5.19B for additional examples.)

Churches, parish houses, rectories, convents.

Public utility or communications installations for service in the zoning district in which they are proposed to be located. No cellular telephone towers are permitted.

Mobile home subdivisions or developments as defined and as provided in Chapter 244, Subdivision of Land; Site Plan Review, of the City Code.

R-A special exceptions:

Raising of chickens in accordance with § 275-4.33, Chickens.

R-A dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 7,500 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 150 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 20 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 15 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 30 feet.

Side and rear yard, accessory structure,² minimum: 10 feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 20% lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 50% lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.2 Medium-Density Residential District (R-B).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 216-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

Purpose. The R-B District is principally for medium-density residential development. Any future development which would interfere with such medium-density residential use or which would not perform a neighborhood function is hereby prohibited.

R-B principal uses permitted:

Any principal use permitted in the R-A District.

(Reserved)

Short-term residential rentals as provided in § 275-4.35.

R-B special exceptions. In the R-B District, the following uses are permitted as special exceptions as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in conformity with the requirements of § 275-5.20. If, however, site plan review by the Planning Board is required either under § 275-6.4 or as a condition of a contract zone, no such review by the Code Enforcement Officer is required.

Same as allowed in the R-A Zone.

Day-care centers, subject to dimensional requirements of the zone and as provided in § 275-4.11.

Home occupations within a dwelling, as provided in § 275-4.16, Home occupations.

Bed-and-breakfast inns as provided in § 275-4.7.

R-B Dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 8,500 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 4,250 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 85 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 20 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 30 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures including detached private garages,² minimum: five feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 25% lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 40% lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.3 General Residential District (R-C).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

Purpose. The R-C District is principally for medium-density residential development. Any future development which would tend to overpopulate or further congest the district or destroy its essentially residential character is hereby prohibited.

R-C principal uses permitted:

Any uses permitted in the R-B District.

Homeless shelters in accordance with § 275-4.15.

Historical institutions and nonresidential philanthropic or charitable institutions of a public or semi-public nature.

R-C special exceptions. In the R-C District, the following uses are permitted as special exceptions as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in conformity with the requirements of § 275-5.20. If, however, site plan review by the Planning Board is required either under § 275-6.4 or as a condition of a contract zone, no such review by the Code Enforcement Officer is required:

Same as allowed in the R-B Zone.

R-C dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 7,500 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 3,750 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 75 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures, including detached garages,² minimum: five feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 30% of lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 35% of lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.4 General Residential District (R-D).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Purpose. The R-D District is principally for medium-density residential development. It is characterized by large houses, many of which have been converted to multifamily dwellings.

R-D principal uses permitted:

Any use permitted in the R-C District.

R-D special exceptions. In the R-D District, the following uses are permitted as special exceptions as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in conformity with the requirements of § 275-5.20. If, however, site plan review by the Planning Board is required either under § 275-6.4 or as a condition of a contract zone, no such review by the Code Enforcement Officer is required.

Same as R-B Zone.

Professional offices and occupations, except for properties abutting Pleasant (not including property also abutting and whose entrances face Park Street), Gilman and Dalton Streets, Pleasant Court, Sheldon Place, and Winter Street west of Pleasant Street. No display of merchandise or services shall be made in the windows or in any other manner to disclose the nature of the profession or service. The sale of goods on the premises is permitted only when incidental to the provision of the service. Dumpsters shall be screened if the professional office or occupation abuts a residence.

R-D dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 2,500 square feet for one bedroom (or efficiency apartment), plus 500 square feet for each additional bedroom, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures, including detached garages,² minimum: five feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.5 Rural Residential District (R-R).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 2-4-2025 by Ord. No. 37-2025; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

Purpose. The R-R District is principally for rural residential development, agriculture, forestry and customary associated uses. Permitted in this district are certain uses unsuited to the more densely developed portions of the City. Large lots with ample space between buildings are required as a means of reducing fire hazards, and also to supply sufficient area for safe location of water supply and septic disposal systems on the same lot. Other purposes of this district include encouragement of appropriate recreational use of the land, reduction and prevention of soil erosion and conservation of natural resources. The R-R Zone also serves as a holding operation for future development and rezoning.

R-R principal and accessory uses:

Any principal or accessory use permitted in any residential district, except homeless shelters.

(Reserved)

Mobile home parks, subject to § 275-4.19.

Nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and hospitals.

Veterinary hospitals on lots of not less than two acres, provided that any building or area in which animals are kept is located at least 100 feet from any street or lot line.

Boarding kennels on lots of not less than five acres, provided that any building or area in which animals are kept is located at least 100 feet from any street or lot line and at least 500 feet from the nearest residence existing at the time of permit issuance (other than a dwelling on the same lot). See § 275-4.5, Animal husbandry and boarding kennels.

R-R special exceptions. The following uses are permitted as special exceptions as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in conformity with the requirements of § 275-5.20. If, however, site plan review by the Planning Board is required either under § 275-6.4 or as a condition of a contract zone, no such review by the Code Enforcement Officer is required.

Same as allowed in the R-B District.

Outdoor recreational areas and facilities as defined in § 275-3.2 and subject to § 275-4.25, Recreational facilities.

Processing of agricultural products, provided there is no discharge or dumping of pollutants of any nature, except in conformity to state and federal regulations.

Camping grounds, subject to § 275-4.9, Campgrounds.

Agriculture, including poultry and animal raising, subject to § 275-4.5, Animal husbandry and boarding kennels.

Any additional use compatible with an existing general use exception.

Cemeteries.

R-R dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 20,000 square feet.

Area per family, minimum, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined: 7,500 square feet.

Lot frontage, minimum: 150 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 40 feet.

Side yard, all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, minimum: 25 feet.

Rear yard, all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, minimum: 25 feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 30% of lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 50% of lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.

§ 275-5.6 Institutional Districts.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

The following use and dimensional requirements apply in the Institutional Districts:

Principal uses:

Educational facilities.

Social or civil activities.

Fraternal or religious facilities.

Hospitals, sanitariums, clinics, nursing homes or other medical institutions or uses.

Recreation buildings or facilities for nonprofit organizations.

Accessory uses:

Parking lots.

Housing for institutional staff or recipients of institutional services.

Services incidental to the principal use.

Institutional dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: zero feet or 50 feet if abutting a residential use or residential zone.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.7 Commercial-A (C-A) District.

[Amended 6-6-2023 by Ord. No. 95-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023]

Description and purpose. The C-A District is principally for commercial establishments to which the public requires frequent and direct access. The C-A District is intended to encourage the concentration of commercial development to the mutual advantage of both consumers and merchants and thus to promote public convenience and prosperity.

C-A permitted uses:

Existing residential uses, existing and new accessory structures, and accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37.

Conversion of a single-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling, or a single- or two-family dwelling to a three-family dwelling. Notwithstanding, the requirements of § 275-4.20, Multifamily developments, the Code Enforcement Officer may approve conversions of existing residential buildings to create as many as three units. See also Subsection B(11), Apartments, below.

Business and professional offices.

Retail stores.

Commercial or public parking areas for automobiles.

Eating establishments, including places offering dancing and entertainment.

Service establishments such as bus terminals, taxi stands, drugstores, barber shops, beauty parlors, laundry agencies, appliance sales and repair shops, pressing and tailoring shops and banks. See the definition of "service establishment" in § 275-3.2.

Hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast inns in accordance with § 275-4.7, Bed-and-breakfast inns.

Indoor recreational facilities and theaters.

Printing and newspaper production.

Apartments, except for ground floor level on Main Street between Spring Street and College Avenue in accordance with the provisions of § 275-4.20, Multifamily developments. An individual apartment must contain not less than 300 square feet of habitable space, except that accessory dwelling units as defined may contain as few as 190 square feet and a maximum of 700 square feet. See Subsection B(2) above.

Clubhouses for nonprofit recreational, social or fraternal organizations and religious facilities or churches.

(13)

Day-care centers.

(14)

Convenience stores with gas pumps and retailing and dispensing of automotive fuels in accordance with § 275-4.6, Automobile businesses.

(15)

Homeless shelters in accordance with § 275-4.15, except for ground floor level on Main Street between Spring Street and College Avenue.

(16)

Veterinary clinics providing wellness services, diagnostic testing, and minor or routine surgeries for companion animals. Clinics must be designed to mitigate noise and odors. Overnight boarding is not allowed.

C-A special exceptions. The following uses are permitted as special exceptions if approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in conformity with the requirements of § 275-5.20. If, however, site plan review by the Planning Board is required either under § 275-6.4 or as a condition of a contract zone, no such review by the Code Enforcement Officer is required.

Warehousing and light manufacturing uses subordinate to retail establishments shall be permitted, provided that there shall be no nuisance created by emission of noise, vibration, electronic radiation, fumes, dust or odor. The manufacturer will be his own prime retailer, and such manufacturing shall not include primary processing of raw materials.

C-A prohibited uses:

Service, repair and sale of automobiles.

Boat and trailer sales and service.

Junkyards, including the storage of inoperative motor vehicles.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 and shall be screened as provided in § 275-4.26.

C-A dimensional requirements: none; except that development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

Screening requirements.

A six-foot-high wall or fence of solid and uniform appearance, or a compact evergreen hedge planted so as to attain a height of not less than six feet, shall be installed or planted and maintained to screen commercial and industrial uses from adjacent residential districts or uses.

Alternate screening plan. The Planning Board, if the project is under review by the Planning Board, or the Code Enforcement Officer may approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

§ 275-5.8 Commercial-B District (C-B).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-B District is principally for commercial activity which would be incompatible with the concentration of establishments in the C-A District because of their requirements for larger areas of land than are customarily available in the C-A District.

C-B permitted uses:

Any use permitted in the Commercial-A District, including apartments; except that new apartments are not allowed on the ground floor level of buildings on Kennedy Memorial Drive, Main Street northwest of High Street, or in any strip mall or shopping center.

Drive-in or outdoor service establishments.

Outdoor storage areas and self-storage units, subject to the provisions for screening in § 275-4.26 of this chapter.

Wholesaling.

Assisted-living facilities.

Automotive sales, service, wash and repairs (including retailing and dispensing of automotive fuels) in accordance with § 275-4.6, Automobile businesses.

Sales and service of boats, trailers, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

C-B accessory uses:

Warehousing as accessory to a wholesaling establishment.

C-B prohibited uses:

Trucking terminals.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

C-B dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

Screening requirements. Adjacent to residential districts or uses, a buffer strip of evergreen plantings, at least 20 feet in width and of an ultimate height of 10 feet, shall be planted and maintained, and a solid fence shall be constructed in conformity to § 275-4.26A. The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

§ 275-5.9 Commercial-C District (C-C).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-C District is principally for establishments catering to the needs of motorists and users of motorized equipment, including sales, service and repair of motor vehicles.

C-C permitted uses:

Any use permitted in the Commercial-A and C-B Districts, including apartments; except that new apartments are not allowed on the ground floor level of buildings on Airport Road, Armory Road, Kennedy Memorial Drive, Main Street northwest of High Street, or in any strip mall or shopping center.

Mobile home sales and service.

Contractors' storage yards, subject to the screening provisions in § 275-4.26.

Veterinary hospitals.

Equipment rental.

Outdoor golf driving ranges with the approval of the Planning Board.

Off-street parking and loading. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23.

C-C dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

Screening requirements. Adjacent to residential districts or uses, a buffer strip of evergreen plantings at least 20 feet in width and with an ultimate height of 10 feet shall be planted and maintained and a solid fence shall be constructed in conformity to § 275-4.26A. The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

§ 275-5.10 Commercial-D District (C-D).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-D District is principally for establishments which require exposure to a major highway and large areas of land on which to conduct their operations.

C-D permitted uses:

Any use permitted in the Commercial-A, C-B, and C-C Districts, except homeless shelters, including apartments; except that new apartments are not allowed on the ground floor level of buildings on Kennedy Memorial Drive or Main Street northwest of High Street, or in any strip mall or shopping center.

Laboratories for research and testing, subject to restrictions regarding nuisances as provided in this chapter.

Shopping centers.

Trucking, wholesaling and warehousing.

Screening and landscaping requirements.

Wherever a C-D Zoning District abuts a residential district, a buffer strip of plantings at least 50 feet in width and of an ultimate height of not less than 25 feet shall be planted and maintained and a solid fence is required in conformity to § 275-4.26A.

A landscaped strip at least 15 feet in width shall be provided along the street line and planted and maintained with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

C-D dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: 200 feet.

Front setback: 100 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 100 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.11 Industrial Park District (I-P).

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The Industrial Park (I-P) District is principally for industrial and associated uses, with appropriate open spaces, building setbacks and screened off-street parking and storage areas.

I-P permitted uses:

Manufacturing.

Non-manufacturing uses:

Research and development laboratories.

Commercial uses commonly accessory to or associated with industrial establishments.

Service establishments such as cafeterias and motels.

Public utility, transportation and communication facilities.

Municipal facilities and grounds.

Warehousing, wholesaling and outside storage of finished or semi-finished products.

Contractors' equipment storage yards, subject to the screening requirements in Subsection D.

I-P accessory uses:

Retail outlets. Retail outlets for products manufactured on the premises.

Landscaping and screening.

All open portions of lots shall have proper grading and drainage and shall be continuously maintained in a dust-free condition by suitable landscaping with trees, shrubs and permanent ground cover or by paving in parking, loading and storage areas as required by the Planning Board in its review of site plans.

Required yard areas shall be planted and maintained in such a manner as to provide a landscaped setting for all buildings.

Wherever a lot in industrial use abuts a residential district, a landscaping strip at least 15 feet in width shall be provided along the street line and planted and maintained with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

Street and access design.

Access barrier. Access to the street shall be controlled in the interest of public safety. Each building or group of buildings and its parking or service areas shall be physically separated from the street by a curb, planting strip or other suitable barrier against unchanneled motor vehicle access or egress, except for accessways as authorized in Subsection E(2) below.

Accessways. Each separate use, grouping of attached buildings or grouping of uses as part of a single integrated plan shall have not more than two accessways to any one street. Insofar as practicable, the use of common accessways by two or more developments is preferred in order to reduce the number and closeness of access points along the street.

Nuisance prohibition. Only those activities which are not injurious or noxious by reason of noise, smoke, vibration, electronic radiation, gas, fumes, odor, dust, fire or explosion hazard, and which meet state and federal pollution standards are permitted in the Industrial Park District.

Off-street parking requirements. Off-street parking shall be provided as set forth in § 275-4.23A(1)(k).

Off-street loading requirements. Off-street loading berths shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

I-P dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size, minimum: three acres.

Lot width, minimum: 250 feet.

Road frontage, minimum: 200 feet.

Front yard setback, minimum: 100 feet.

Side yard, minimum: 40 feet.

Rear yard, minimum: 50 feet.

Distance from a residential district: 150 feet.

Percentage of lot covered by buildings: 30%.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
¹	See the buffer required at Subsection D.
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.12 General Industrial District (I).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The Industrial District is principally for heavy industry and associated uses which are so located as to prevent undesirable conflict with residential and commercial development.

General Industrial permitted uses:

Any use permitted in the Commercial-D District, except apartments.

Processing, manufacturing or other industrial use which is not injurious or noxious by reason of noise, smoke, vibration, electronic radiation, gas, fumes, odor, dust, fire or explosion hazard, and which meets state and federal pollution standards.

Bulk oil and fuel storage above ground. See § 275-4.32 and § 275-4.6C(2).

Retail and wholesale businesses customarily serving or consistent with industrial uses.

Municipal, public utility, communication and transportation facilities.

Uses forbidden. Residential uses are forbidden unless clearly incidental and accessory to a lawfully established use.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23.

General Industrial (I) dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area: No minimum.

Road frontage: 150 feet.

Lot width: 200 feet.

Front yard: 50 feet.

Side yard: 25 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Percentage of lot covered by buildings: 50% maximum.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

Screening and landscaping requirements.

A buffer strip of evergreens at least 25 feet in width and planted so as to attain a height of 25 feet within 10 years shall be maintained adjacent to any other zoning district.

A landscaping strip at least 15 feet in width shall be provided along the street line and planted and maintained with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

§ 275-5.13 Downtown Industrial District (D-I).

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The Downtown Industrial District is established to encourage the re-use and redevelopment of historic industrial buildings in the downtown. This zone allows for the harmonious co-location of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential uses.

Downtown Industrial uses permitted:

All uses permitted in the General Industrial District.

Multifamily dwellings.

Institutional uses as defined in § 275-3.2 of this chapter.

Off-street parking requirements.

Unless a different parking requirement is set forth in another section of this chapter, off-street parking space shall be provided as follows:

Industrial and manufacturing activities: the lesser of one space per 1,000 square feet or one space per two employees on the largest shift.

All other commercial uses: one space per 400 square feet.

Multifamily residential uses: 1.5 spaces per unit.

In view of the mixed-use nature of potential developments within the zone, the Planning Board may approve fewer parking spaces than otherwise required under this subsection, based on findings that various uses will require parking at different times of the day or week or that the parking requirements for a particular activity will be less than parking requirements generally applicable to the land use category. To reduce the required spaces by more than 10%, the developer must provide a written report from a professional traffic operations engineer demonstrating ample parking.

Required off-street parking may be located within 300 feet of the development.

Required off-street parking spaces shall be set back from all property lines, front, rear and side, not less than five feet.

Downtown Industrial dimensional requirements. Except for structures existing as of March 1, 2008, the following dimensional requirements apply to all uses:¹

Lot area: None.

Frontage: None.

Front yard: 20 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.¹

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.14 Airport Industrial District (A-I).

[Amended 3-6-2024 by Ord. No. 49-2024; 5-6-2025 by Ord. No. 97-2025]

Description and purpose. The Airport Industrial District is established to maximize the development of industrial and associated uses in upland areas while protecting valuable wetlands near the airport. Minimal building setbacks are acceptable because the zone does not abut residential uses.

Airport Industrial uses permitted:

Processing, manufacturing or other industrial uses which are not injurious or noxious by reason of noise, smoke, vibration, electronic radiation, gas, fumes, odor, dust, fire or explosion hazard and which meet state and federal pollution standards.

Wholesale businesses and warehousing customarily serving or consistent with manufacturing or other industrial uses.

Offices and telephone call centers.

Municipal, public utility and communication facilities.

Storage tanks for fuel or raw materials.

Solar farms, subject to § 275-4.34 and the dimensional requirements below.

Truck parking facilities.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23. The location of parking is established in the site standards which are a part of the purchase or lease agreement for each unique parcel purchased from the City of Waterville.

Airport Industrial dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area: None.

Frontage: None.

Front yard: 20 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	Solar arrays shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from all property lines, the setback required for principal structures in this zone.

Screening and landscaping requirements. Landscaping will be provided as established in the site standards which are a part of the purchase or lease agreement for each unique parcel purchased from the City of Waterville. Solar farms, however, must be screened in accordance with § 275-4.34, Solar farms.

Air-space easements. See Chapter 109, Airport, of the City Code.

§ 275-5.15 Airport District (AIR).

Description and purpose. The Airport District is established for uses associated with and supporting the airport.

AIR uses permitted:

Aviation uses.

Uses supporting the airport.

Solar farms, subject to performance standards in § 275-4.34.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

Dimensional requirements: None.

§ 275-5.16 Resource Protection District.

Description and purpose.

The principal use of land in the Resource Protection District is open space. The zone includes areas in which development would adversely affect water quality and the stability of waterways and impede the natural storage and conveyance of runoff and floodwaters. The district also includes areas in which development would accelerate erosion or impair productive habitat, natural ecosystems or scenic and natural values.

The Resource Protection District specifically includes:

Significant habitat for plants and animals, including habitat for species appearing on the official state or federal list of endangered or threatened species, high- and moderate-value deer wintering areas and travel corridors as defined by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and high- and moderate-value waterfowl and wading bird habitats, including nesting and feeding areas as defined by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife;

Areas of exceptional scientific and educational importance or unique natural value;

Areas designated by the federal government, the state, the City or private persons as natural areas of significance to be protected from development;

Wetlands: areas of two or more contiguous acres within the shoreland zone supporting wetland vegetation and hydric soils, including, but not limited to, swamps, marshes or bogs designated on both the Shoreland Zoning Appendix to the Official Zoning Map and the Official Zoning Map;

Floodplains: defined by the elevation of the 100-year floodplain as designated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps or Flood Hazard Boundary Maps, the flood of record, or in the absence of these, by soil types identifiable as recent floodplain soils;

Fragile slopes: areas of two or more contiguous acres with sustained slopes of 20% or unstable slopes subject to slumping, mass movement or severe erosion;

Natural sites of significant scenic or aesthetic value;

(h)

Significant archaeological and historic sites;

(i)

Other areas which should be included to fulfill the purpose of this district. This district does not include areas that meet the criteria for resource protection, but which are significantly developed.

Performance standards. All Resource Protection Districts are subject to § 275-4.27H, Shoreland performance standards, whether or not they are located in the shoreland zone.

Uses permitted:

Signs.

Billboards are prohibited in the Resource Protection District.

Signs in the Resource Protection District shall not exceed two such signs per premises, shall not be larger than two square feet, shall not be higher than six feet from the ground and shall be limited to names of residents, notice of sale, and notice of no trespassing or hunting.

Special exceptions. The following uses are permitted as special exceptions if approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in conformity with the requirements of § 275-5.20. If, however, site plan review by the Planning Board is required either under § 275-6.4 or as a condition of a contract zone, no such review by the Code Enforcement Officer is required:

Agriculture. See § 275-4.27H(1), Agriculture;

Small, nonresidential facilities for educational, scientific or nature interpretation purposes;

Public and private parks and recreation areas involving minimal structural development;

Piers, docks, wharves, breakwaters and uses projecting into water bodies;

The installation of essential services, other than roadside distribution lines, is not allowed in a Resource Protection District, except to provide services to a permitted use within said district, or except where the applicant demonstrates that no reasonable alternative exists. Where allowed, such structures and facilities shall be located so as to minimize any adverse impacts on surrounding uses and resources, including visual impacts;

Earth-moving activities. See § 275-4.12 and § 275-4.27H(8).

Uses prohibited:

Residential dwelling units;

Commercial structures;

Industrial structures;

Structures not accessory to special exceptions;

Governmental and institutional uses other than those specifically permitted in Subsection C, Uses permitted, and Subsection D, Special exceptions;

Campgrounds and individual private campsites;

Roads, driveways and parking facilities, except for parking areas serving public boat-launching facilities;

Marinas;

Clearing of vegetation, except clearing which is necessary for uses specifically permitted in the Resource Protection District;

Mineral exploration;

Mineral extraction;

Essential services, except as provided in Subsection D(5) above.

§ 275-5.17 Transitional District (T).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Purpose. The Transitional District is established as a zone in which the principal use of the land is residential, but other specified uses are allowed subject to design review and approval. Any future development which would detract from the residential character of the street is prohibited.

Principal uses permitted:

Single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37.

Two-family dwellings and conversions of existing dwellings to accommodate two or three families. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 275-4.20, Multifamily developments, the Code Enforcement Officer may approve conversions which do not constitute subdivisions.

The following uses are allowed subject to Subsection D below:

Construction of new multifamily dwellings as provided in § 275-4.20.

Private and public schools, if adequately screened and fenced recreational areas are provided.

Professional offices. No display of merchandise or services shall be made in the windows or in any other manner to disclose the nature of the profession or service. The sale of goods on the premises is permitted only when incidental to the provision of the service.

Banks and credit unions.

Retail stores. Warehousing or manufacturing on the premises are not permitted, except as are clearly incidental to such business or service.

Health and beauty spas.

Restaurants.

Special exceptions. In the Transitional District, the following uses are permitted as special exceptions as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in conformity with the requirements of § 275-5.20. If, however, site plan review by the Planning Board is required either under § 275-6.4 or as a condition of a contract zone, no such review by the Code Enforcement Officer is required.

Day-care centers, subject to § 275-4.11.

Home occupations within a dwelling as provided in § 275-4.16.

Design review.

The intent of design review is to preserve existing buildings whenever possible. Proposed construction must be approved prior to any demolition or significant alteration of existing buildings.

The applicant shall provide detailed architectural elevations of proposed finished structures, including specification of the type of material to be used in all significant exterior components.

In addition to a review of proposed signs, off-street parking and screening, the Planning Board shall evaluate each proposed use in terms of the following elements of design. Building materials, type and style of windows, doors, light fixtures, walks, fences, porches and driveways must be visually compatible with the character of existing development in the district. Additionally, the Board must determine that the scale, height, roof shape, window and door placement, and building setbacks of the new or altered building are visually compatible with the zone. The Board also must assess the relationship of width to height for the front facade and for the windows and doors.

Signs. Signs advertising the name of a business may be 24 inches by 36 inches in size. No product brand names may be advertised.

Off-street parking requirements. Off-street parking shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23. Any need for parking shall be met in the side or rear yard to protect the residential character of the neighborhood. Parking lots shall be set back five feet from all property lines, and driveways shall be set back five feet from side property lines. The Planning Board or Code Enforcement Officer may deny a proposed use if the required parking area would be so large as to render the land use incompatible with the general character of the neighborhood.

Screening requirements.

A six-foot-high wall or fence, or a compact evergreen hedge screen planted so as to attain a height not less than six feet within five years, shall be installed or planted and maintained to screen commercial uses from adjacent residential districts or uses. The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

A landscaped strip at least 10 feet in width shall be provided along the street line, planted with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

Dumpsters shall be screened.

Transitional District dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Lot area, minimum per family: 2,500 square feet of lot area for one bedroom (or efficiency apartment), plus 500 square feet for each additional bedroom, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, accessory building,² minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Rear yard, accessory building,² minimum: 10 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage, and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking. is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached garages shall have five-foot setbacks.

§ 275-5.18 Contract zoning.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Authority. In accordance with 30-A M.R.S. § 4352(8), as amended from time to time, property in the City of Waterville may be rezoned by means of a process known as "contract zoning."

Purpose.

It is the general purpose of this section to provide for the reasonable regulation of uses of land and structures where competing and incompatible uses conflict. In these special situations, in which traditional zoning regulations are inadequate, more flexible and adaptable zoning methods are needed to permit differing land uses and at the same time recognize the effects of change.

In considering a change in zoning for a particular property or group of properties, it may be determined that public necessity, convenience or the general welfare requires that provision be made to impose certain limitations or restrictions on the use or development of the property. Such conditions are deemed necessary to protect the best interests of the property owner, the surrounding property owners and the neighborhood, all other property owners and citizens of the City, and to secure appropriate development consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The provisions of this section shall not exempt the use or development of any property from other minimum standards or requirements otherwise provided in this chapter, or as otherwise provided by law.

Definition. As used in this section, the following term shall have the meaning indicated:

CONTRACT ZONING

The process by which the property owner, in consideration of the rezoning of his property, agrees to the imposition of certain conditions or restrictions not imposed on other similarly zoned properties.

Mandatory conditions.

Any amendment to the boundaries of a zoning district adopted pursuant to this section shall:

Be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Waterville, as amended;

Be consistent with the existing and permitted uses within the rezoned district;

Only include conditions and restrictions which relate to the physical development or operation of the property;

Be subject to an agreement executed by authorized representatives of both the property owner and the City providing for the implementation and enforcement of all terms and conditions imposed and agreed to by the parties pursuant to this section.

The request for contract zoning consideration must be initiated by the property owner.

Discretionary conditions. Any zone change adopted pursuant to this section may include reasonable conditions or restrictions such as, but not limited to, the following:

Limitations on the number and type of authorized uses of the property;

Limitations on the height, exterior appearance and lot coverage of any structure or structures built on the property;

Increased setbacks and side yards for any structure or structures built on the property;

The installation, operation and maintenance of physical improvements for the convenience of the general public, including, but not limited to, off-street parking lots, traffic control devices, fencing, shrubbery and screening;

The creation, operation and maintenance of open space areas or buffer zones;

The dedication or conveyance of property for public purpose, including, but not limited to, streets, scenic and conservation easements, parks and utility systems.

Procedure. All proposed amendments to this chapter being considered under this section shall be processed in accordance with Article VII of this chapter and 30-A M.R.S. § 4352. If at all possible, the processing of the application under both procedures shall be accomplished concurrently.

§ 275-5.19 General use exceptions.

The following permanent principal uses of land, buildings or structures may be permitted as general use exceptions in any zone, except the Resource Protection District or any other zone in which they are expressly prohibited. Such uses shall be demonstrated to be clearly in the public interest, essential or desirable for the support and furtherance of public health, safety, welfare and convenience, and found to be in harmony with the Comprehensive Plan for municipal development. The permission, specific location and conditions of use in each case shall be approved by the Planning Board in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 244, Subdivision of Land; Site Plan Review, of the City Code.

Governmental service facilities, including fire stations, sewage disposal and treatment facilities and water supply facilities.

Public service facilities, including public parks, recreation areas or community centers; public utilities, including water supply areas, radio, television and telephone service, electric power service and other public service uses, provided the lot is suitably screened and landscaped and the use is not expressly prohibited in the zone.

Civil defense facilities and installations.

§ 275-5.20 Special exceptions.

A building, structure or parcel of land may be employed for a special exception use if the use is specifically listed in the regulations governing the zoning district in which the use is proposed, and if a special exception permit is approved by the Code Enforcement Officer.

Application for special exception permit. Application for a special exception permit shall be made to the Code Enforcement Officer.

The applicant shall:

Clearly specify the location of the proposed use, including street address, Assessor's Tax Map and lot number, and a location map.

Describe the exact nature of the proposed use.

Submit any other materials that will enable the Code Enforcement Officer to determine that the standards for approval of a special exception permit have been met. The burden for providing the information upon which the Code Enforcement Officer bases his finding shall be the applicant's.

Notice requirement.

At least 14 days prior to issuing a special exception permit, the Code Enforcement Officer shall notify abutting property owners by first class mail of the nature of the application, the name of the applicant and the address of the property involved.

The purpose of this mailing is to allow abutters a fourteen-day comment period.

For the purposes of this notification, the definition of "abutter" in § 275-3.2 applies.

The Code Enforcement Officer shall maintain a list of names and addresses of those persons to whom he mailed notices.

Failure of any property owner to receive a notice shall not invalidate the action of the Code Enforcement Officer.

When the Code Enforcement Officer issues a special exception permit, he shall send a second letter to abutters by first class mail notifying them of his decision and advising them of their right to appeal his decision. See § 275-6.2E(1), Administrative appeal.

Standards for a special exception permit. The Code Enforcement Officer shall approve an application or approve it with conditions if he makes a positive finding that the proposed special exception use:

Will meet the definition set forth in this chapter for the specific special exception, and will be in compliance with all applicable state or federal laws;

Will be compatible with the general character of the neighborhood with regard to design, scale and bulk of proposed structures;

Will not have a significant detrimental effect on the use and peaceful enjoyment of abutting property as a result of noise, vibrations, fumes, odor, dust, light or glare, as those terms are defined in the performance standards contained herein;

Will not create fire safety hazards by providing adequate access to the site, or to the buildings on the site, for emergency vehicles;

Will not create a safety hazard to motorists traveling on adjacent public streets by reason of proposed exterior lighting or vehicular traffic created by the special exception use;

Will meet the requirements for buffers, screening and landscaping by zoning district as specifically required in this chapter, and further, that in the exercise of his authority to require landscaping and planting screens as one of the conditions of approval, that such screening will provide demonstrably adequate protection for the adjacent properties;

Will have, if applicable and as required by state law or City ordinances, adequate provision:

For disposal of wastewater or solid waste, or for the prevention of ground- or surface water contamination;

To control erosion or sedimentation;

To handle stormwater and snow removal runoff or other drainage problems on the site;

Of water for fire protection purposes and to meet the demand of the proposed use;

For the transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and materials.

Will, when applicable, conform to all performance standards as contained in Article IV of this chapter, both general and specific.

Conditions of approval. Upon consideration of the factors listed above, the Code Enforcement Officer may attach such conditions, in addition to those required elsewhere in this chapter, that he finds necessary to further the purposes of this chapter. Violation of any of these conditions shall be a violation of this chapter. The Code Enforcement Officer may require posting of a performance guarantee to assure performance of the conditions.

Any special exception permit shall be considered valid and shall exist for so long as that particular property owner continues to operate the specific special exception use and remains in compliance with all of the provisions of this chapter. Cessation of the special exception use by that particular property owner for any reason or the sale of the property by the owner to whom the permit was issued will cause the permit to expire.

§ 275-5.21 Suburban Mixed Use District.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The Suburban Mixed Use District is established to encourage the re-use and redevelopment of historic buildings in suburban areas. This zone allows for the harmonious co-location of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential uses.

Permitted uses:

All use permitted in the General Industrial District.

Multifamily dwellings.

Institutional uses as defined in § 275-3.2 of this chapter.

Off-street parking requirements.

Off-street parking space shall be provided as follows:

Industrial and manufacturing activities: the lesser of one space per 1,000 square feet or one space per two employees on the largest shift.

All other commercial uses: one space per 400 square feet.

Multifamily residential uses: 1.5 spaces per unit.

Required off-street parking may be located within 300 feet of the development.

Required off-street parking spaces shall be set back from all property lines, front, rear and side, not less than five feet.

Suburban Mixed Use dimensional requirements. Except for structures existing as of June 30, 2016, the following dimensional requirements apply to all uses:¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.22 Solar Farm District.

Description and purpose. The Solar Farm District is established to allow the City Council to approve the location of solar farms on a case-by-case basis.

Permitted uses:

Solar farms as defined in § 275-3.2, Additional definitions, and in accordance with the performance standards in § 275-4.34, Solar farms.

Dimensional requirements. Ground-mounted solar arrays located in the Solar Farm District shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from front property lines, 50 feet from side and rear property lines and at least 250 feet from the nearest home existing at the time of permit issuance (other than a dwelling on the same lot as the solar farm).

Zoning reversion. If a solar farm is not constructed on the property within five years of the creation of the Solar Farm District, the zoning reverts to the zoning in place at the time the City Council approved the Solar Farm District for that property. In addition, one year after a solar farm is decommissioned, the zoning reverts to the zoning in place at the time the City Council approved the Solar Farm District for that property.

§ 275-5.23 Commercial-C-1 District (C-C1).

[Added 12-15-2022 by Ord. No. 22-2022; amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-C1 District is a mixed-use district which allows housing as well as establishments catering to the needs of motorists, including sales, service and repair of motor vehicles which historically have been allowed in the Commercial-C Zone. Maximum front setback and tree planting requirements are intended to help slow traffic and improve the appearance of properties along the arterial.

C-C1 permitted uses.

Any use permitted in the C-A and C-B Districts, accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37, and apartments, subject to the provisions of § 275-4.20, Multifamily developments. Individual apartments must contain not less than 300 square feet of habitable space. Accessory dwelling units, however, must contain a minimum of 190 square feet and a maximum of 700 square feet.

Nursing homes.

Off-street parking and loading. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23, except that parking for apartments in the C-C1 Zone shall be provided as required for apartments in the Commercial-A Zone. No parking is allowed in the required fifteen-foot-deep landscaped area along the arterial.

C-C1 dimensional requirements.*

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback:

Along arterials, the maximum setback is 20 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.

Along streets intersecting major arterials, the minimum setback is 20 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.

Side yard: 20 feet minimum all structures, including accessory dwelling units.

Rear yard: 20 feet minimum all structures, including accessory dwelling units.

For properties with apartments or accessory dwelling units, maximum coverage of lot by buildings: 30% of lot area.

For properties with apartments or accessory dwelling units, minimum usable open area: 35% of lot area.

Notes:
*	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
*	Development located within the Shoreland Zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage, and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
*	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
*	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.

Screening requirements.

Any change of use of a property or any new development requires the planting and maintenance of appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs in a landscaped strip at least 15 feet deep along the right-of-way of the arterial. If existing structures on the site preclude the provision of the required landscaped strip, the developer must contribute to the City's street tree planting fund. The donation shall be equal to the cost of the number of trees that otherwise would be appropriate along the lot road frontage.

In addition, commercial uses must plant and maintain a buffer strip of evergreens at least 20 feet in width and an ultimate height of 10 feet and construct a solid fence in conformity with § 275-4.26A adjacent to residential districts or uses. The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

Waterville City Zoning Code

ARTICLE V

Zoning District Requirements

§ 275-5.1 Low-Density Residential District (R-A).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-A principal uses permitted:

Two-family dwellings and alteration of single-family dwellings to accommodate no more than two families, provided that the parking standard and the dimensional requirements of the zone are met.

Accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37, unless private covenants apply

Community living arrangements, as defined in § 275-3.2.

Private and public schools, if adequately screened and fenced recreational areas are provided.

Public service facilities, including public parks and community centers. (See § 275-5.19B for additional examples.)

Churches, parish houses, rectories, convents.

Public utility or communications installations for service in the zoning district in which they are proposed to be located. No cellular telephone towers are permitted.

Mobile home subdivisions or developments as defined and as provided in Chapter 244, Subdivision of Land; Site Plan Review, of the City Code.

R-A special exceptions:

Raising of chickens in accordance with § 275-4.33, Chickens.

R-A dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 7,500 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 150 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 20 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 15 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 30 feet.

Side and rear yard, accessory structure,² minimum: 10 feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 20% lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 50% lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.2 Medium-Density Residential District (R-B).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 216-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-B principal uses permitted:

Any principal use permitted in the R-A District.

(Reserved)

Short-term residential rentals as provided in § 275-4.35.

Same as allowed in the R-A Zone.

Day-care centers, subject to dimensional requirements of the zone and as provided in § 275-4.11.

Home occupations within a dwelling, as provided in § 275-4.16, Home occupations.

Bed-and-breakfast inns as provided in § 275-4.7.

R-B Dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 8,500 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 4,250 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 85 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 20 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 30 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures including detached private garages,² minimum: five feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 25% lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 40% lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.3 General Residential District (R-C).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-C principal uses permitted:

Any uses permitted in the R-B District.

Homeless shelters in accordance with § 275-4.15.

Historical institutions and nonresidential philanthropic or charitable institutions of a public or semi-public nature.

Same as allowed in the R-B Zone.

R-C dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 7,500 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 3,750 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 75 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures, including detached garages,² minimum: five feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 30% of lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 35% of lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.4 General Residential District (R-D).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Purpose. The R-D District is principally for medium-density residential development. It is characterized by large houses, many of which have been converted to multifamily dwellings.

R-D principal uses permitted:

Any use permitted in the R-C District.

Same as R-B Zone.

R-D dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures, including detached garages,² minimum: five feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.5 Rural Residential District (R-R).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 2-4-2025 by Ord. No. 37-2025; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-R principal and accessory uses:

Any principal or accessory use permitted in any residential district, except homeless shelters.

(Reserved)

Mobile home parks, subject to § 275-4.19.

Nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and hospitals.

Veterinary hospitals on lots of not less than two acres, provided that any building or area in which animals are kept is located at least 100 feet from any street or lot line.

Same as allowed in the R-B District.

Outdoor recreational areas and facilities as defined in § 275-3.2 and subject to § 275-4.25, Recreational facilities.

Processing of agricultural products, provided there is no discharge or dumping of pollutants of any nature, except in conformity to state and federal regulations.

Camping grounds, subject to § 275-4.9, Campgrounds.

Agriculture, including poultry and animal raising, subject to § 275-4.5, Animal husbandry and boarding kennels.

Any additional use compatible with an existing general use exception.

Cemeteries.

R-R dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 20,000 square feet.

Area per family, minimum, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined: 7,500 square feet.

Lot frontage, minimum: 150 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 40 feet.

Side yard, all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, minimum: 25 feet.

Rear yard, all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, minimum: 25 feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 30% of lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 50% of lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.

§ 275-5.6 Institutional Districts.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

The following use and dimensional requirements apply in the Institutional Districts:

Principal uses:

Educational facilities.

Social or civil activities.

Fraternal or religious facilities.

Hospitals, sanitariums, clinics, nursing homes or other medical institutions or uses.

Recreation buildings or facilities for nonprofit organizations.

Accessory uses:

Parking lots.

Housing for institutional staff or recipients of institutional services.

Services incidental to the principal use.

Institutional dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: zero feet or 50 feet if abutting a residential use or residential zone.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.7 Commercial-A (C-A) District.

[Amended 6-6-2023 by Ord. No. 95-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023]

C-A permitted uses:

Existing residential uses, existing and new accessory structures, and accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37.

Business and professional offices.

Retail stores.

Commercial or public parking areas for automobiles.

Eating establishments, including places offering dancing and entertainment.

Hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast inns in accordance with § 275-4.7, Bed-and-breakfast inns.

Indoor recreational facilities and theaters.

Printing and newspaper production.

Clubhouses for nonprofit recreational, social or fraternal organizations and religious facilities or churches.

(13)

Day-care centers.

(14)

Convenience stores with gas pumps and retailing and dispensing of automotive fuels in accordance with § 275-4.6, Automobile businesses.

(15)

Homeless shelters in accordance with § 275-4.15, except for ground floor level on Main Street between Spring Street and College Avenue.

(16)

C-A prohibited uses:

Service, repair and sale of automobiles.

Boat and trailer sales and service.

Junkyards, including the storage of inoperative motor vehicles.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 and shall be screened as provided in § 275-4.26.

Screening requirements.

§ 275-5.8 Commercial-B District (C-B).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

C-B permitted uses:

Drive-in or outdoor service establishments.

Outdoor storage areas and self-storage units, subject to the provisions for screening in § 275-4.26 of this chapter.

Wholesaling.

Assisted-living facilities.

Automotive sales, service, wash and repairs (including retailing and dispensing of automotive fuels) in accordance with § 275-4.6, Automobile businesses.

Sales and service of boats, trailers, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

C-B accessory uses:

Warehousing as accessory to a wholesaling establishment.

C-B prohibited uses:

Trucking terminals.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

C-B dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.9 Commercial-C District (C-C).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-C District is principally for establishments catering to the needs of motorists and users of motorized equipment, including sales, service and repair of motor vehicles.

C-C permitted uses:

Mobile home sales and service.

Contractors' storage yards, subject to the screening provisions in § 275-4.26.

Veterinary hospitals.

Equipment rental.

Outdoor golf driving ranges with the approval of the Planning Board.

Off-street parking and loading. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23.

C-C dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.10 Commercial-D District (C-D).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-D District is principally for establishments which require exposure to a major highway and large areas of land on which to conduct their operations.

C-D permitted uses:

Laboratories for research and testing, subject to restrictions regarding nuisances as provided in this chapter.

Shopping centers.

Trucking, wholesaling and warehousing.

Screening and landscaping requirements.

A landscaped strip at least 15 feet in width shall be provided along the street line and planted and maintained with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

C-D dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: 200 feet.

Front setback: 100 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 100 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.11 Industrial Park District (I-P).

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

I-P permitted uses:

Manufacturing.

Non-manufacturing uses:

Research and development laboratories.

Commercial uses commonly accessory to or associated with industrial establishments.

Service establishments such as cafeterias and motels.

Public utility, transportation and communication facilities.

Municipal facilities and grounds.

Warehousing, wholesaling and outside storage of finished or semi-finished products.

Contractors' equipment storage yards, subject to the screening requirements in Subsection D.

I-P accessory uses:

Retail outlets. Retail outlets for products manufactured on the premises.

Landscaping and screening.

Required yard areas shall be planted and maintained in such a manner as to provide a landscaped setting for all buildings.

Street and access design.

Off-street parking requirements. Off-street parking shall be provided as set forth in § 275-4.23A(1)(k).

Off-street loading requirements. Off-street loading berths shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

I-P dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size, minimum: three acres.

Lot width, minimum: 250 feet.

Road frontage, minimum: 200 feet.

Front yard setback, minimum: 100 feet.

Side yard, minimum: 40 feet.

Rear yard, minimum: 50 feet.

Distance from a residential district: 150 feet.

Percentage of lot covered by buildings: 30%.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
¹	See the buffer required at Subsection D.
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.12 General Industrial District (I).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

General Industrial permitted uses:

Any use permitted in the Commercial-D District, except apartments.

Bulk oil and fuel storage above ground. See § 275-4.32 and § 275-4.6C(2).

Retail and wholesale businesses customarily serving or consistent with industrial uses.

Municipal, public utility, communication and transportation facilities.

Uses forbidden. Residential uses are forbidden unless clearly incidental and accessory to a lawfully established use.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23.

General Industrial (I) dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area: No minimum.

Road frontage: 150 feet.

Lot width: 200 feet.

Front yard: 50 feet.

Side yard: 25 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Percentage of lot covered by buildings: 50% maximum.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

Screening and landscaping requirements.

A buffer strip of evergreens at least 25 feet in width and planted so as to attain a height of 25 feet within 10 years shall be maintained adjacent to any other zoning district.

A landscaping strip at least 15 feet in width shall be provided along the street line and planted and maintained with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

§ 275-5.13 Downtown Industrial District (D-I).

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Downtown Industrial uses permitted:

All uses permitted in the General Industrial District.

Multifamily dwellings.

Institutional uses as defined in § 275-3.2 of this chapter.

Off-street parking requirements.

Unless a different parking requirement is set forth in another section of this chapter, off-street parking space shall be provided as follows:

Industrial and manufacturing activities: the lesser of one space per 1,000 square feet or one space per two employees on the largest shift.

All other commercial uses: one space per 400 square feet.

Multifamily residential uses: 1.5 spaces per unit.

Required off-street parking may be located within 300 feet of the development.

Required off-street parking spaces shall be set back from all property lines, front, rear and side, not less than five feet.

Downtown Industrial dimensional requirements. Except for structures existing as of March 1, 2008, the following dimensional requirements apply to all uses:¹

Lot area: None.

Frontage: None.

Front yard: 20 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.¹

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.14 Airport Industrial District (A-I).

[Amended 3-6-2024 by Ord. No. 49-2024; 5-6-2025 by Ord. No. 97-2025]

Airport Industrial uses permitted:

Wholesale businesses and warehousing customarily serving or consistent with manufacturing or other industrial uses.

Offices and telephone call centers.

Municipal, public utility and communication facilities.

Storage tanks for fuel or raw materials.

Solar farms, subject to § 275-4.34 and the dimensional requirements below.

Truck parking facilities.

Airport Industrial dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area: None.

Frontage: None.

Front yard: 20 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	Solar arrays shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from all property lines, the setback required for principal structures in this zone.

Air-space easements. See Chapter 109, Airport, of the City Code.

§ 275-5.15 Airport District (AIR).

Description and purpose. The Airport District is established for uses associated with and supporting the airport.

AIR uses permitted:

Aviation uses.

Uses supporting the airport.

Solar farms, subject to performance standards in § 275-4.34.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

Dimensional requirements: None.

§ 275-5.16 Resource Protection District.

Description and purpose.

The Resource Protection District specifically includes:

Areas of exceptional scientific and educational importance or unique natural value;

Areas designated by the federal government, the state, the City or private persons as natural areas of significance to be protected from development;

Fragile slopes: areas of two or more contiguous acres with sustained slopes of 20% or unstable slopes subject to slumping, mass movement or severe erosion;

Natural sites of significant scenic or aesthetic value;

(h)

Significant archaeological and historic sites;

(i)

Performance standards. All Resource Protection Districts are subject to § 275-4.27H, Shoreland performance standards, whether or not they are located in the shoreland zone.

Uses permitted:

Signs.

Billboards are prohibited in the Resource Protection District.

Agriculture. See § 275-4.27H(1), Agriculture;

Small, nonresidential facilities for educational, scientific or nature interpretation purposes;

Public and private parks and recreation areas involving minimal structural development;

Piers, docks, wharves, breakwaters and uses projecting into water bodies;

Earth-moving activities. See § 275-4.12 and § 275-4.27H(8).

Uses prohibited:

Residential dwelling units;

Commercial structures;

Industrial structures;

Structures not accessory to special exceptions;

Governmental and institutional uses other than those specifically permitted in Subsection C, Uses permitted, and Subsection D, Special exceptions;

Campgrounds and individual private campsites;

Roads, driveways and parking facilities, except for parking areas serving public boat-launching facilities;

Marinas;

Clearing of vegetation, except clearing which is necessary for uses specifically permitted in the Resource Protection District;

Mineral exploration;

Mineral extraction;

Essential services, except as provided in Subsection D(5) above.

§ 275-5.17 Transitional District (T).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Principal uses permitted:

Single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37.

The following uses are allowed subject to Subsection D below:

Construction of new multifamily dwellings as provided in § 275-4.20.

Private and public schools, if adequately screened and fenced recreational areas are provided.

Banks and credit unions.

Retail stores. Warehousing or manufacturing on the premises are not permitted, except as are clearly incidental to such business or service.

Health and beauty spas.

Restaurants.

Day-care centers, subject to § 275-4.11.

Home occupations within a dwelling as provided in § 275-4.16.

Design review.

The intent of design review is to preserve existing buildings whenever possible. Proposed construction must be approved prior to any demolition or significant alteration of existing buildings.

The applicant shall provide detailed architectural elevations of proposed finished structures, including specification of the type of material to be used in all significant exterior components.

Signs. Signs advertising the name of a business may be 24 inches by 36 inches in size. No product brand names may be advertised.

Screening requirements.

A landscaped strip at least 10 feet in width shall be provided along the street line, planted with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

Dumpsters shall be screened.

Transitional District dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, accessory building,² minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Rear yard, accessory building,² minimum: 10 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage, and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking. is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached garages shall have five-foot setbacks.

§ 275-5.18 Contract zoning.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Authority. In accordance with 30-A M.R.S. § 4352(8), as amended from time to time, property in the City of Waterville may be rezoned by means of a process known as "contract zoning."

Purpose.

Definition. As used in this section, the following term shall have the meaning indicated:

CONTRACT ZONING

Mandatory conditions.

Any amendment to the boundaries of a zoning district adopted pursuant to this section shall:

Be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Waterville, as amended;

Be consistent with the existing and permitted uses within the rezoned district;

Only include conditions and restrictions which relate to the physical development or operation of the property;

The request for contract zoning consideration must be initiated by the property owner.

Discretionary conditions. Any zone change adopted pursuant to this section may include reasonable conditions or restrictions such as, but not limited to, the following:

Limitations on the number and type of authorized uses of the property;

Limitations on the height, exterior appearance and lot coverage of any structure or structures built on the property;

Increased setbacks and side yards for any structure or structures built on the property;

The creation, operation and maintenance of open space areas or buffer zones;

The dedication or conveyance of property for public purpose, including, but not limited to, streets, scenic and conservation easements, parks and utility systems.

§ 275-5.19 General use exceptions.

Governmental service facilities, including fire stations, sewage disposal and treatment facilities and water supply facilities.

Civil defense facilities and installations.

§ 275-5.20 Special exceptions.

Application for special exception permit. Application for a special exception permit shall be made to the Code Enforcement Officer.

The applicant shall:

Clearly specify the location of the proposed use, including street address, Assessor's Tax Map and lot number, and a location map.

Describe the exact nature of the proposed use.

Notice requirement.

The purpose of this mailing is to allow abutters a fourteen-day comment period.

For the purposes of this notification, the definition of "abutter" in § 275-3.2 applies.

The Code Enforcement Officer shall maintain a list of names and addresses of those persons to whom he mailed notices.

Failure of any property owner to receive a notice shall not invalidate the action of the Code Enforcement Officer.

Will meet the definition set forth in this chapter for the specific special exception, and will be in compliance with all applicable state or federal laws;

Will be compatible with the general character of the neighborhood with regard to design, scale and bulk of proposed structures;

Will not create fire safety hazards by providing adequate access to the site, or to the buildings on the site, for emergency vehicles;

Will not create a safety hazard to motorists traveling on adjacent public streets by reason of proposed exterior lighting or vehicular traffic created by the special exception use;

Will have, if applicable and as required by state law or City ordinances, adequate provision:

For disposal of wastewater or solid waste, or for the prevention of ground- or surface water contamination;

To control erosion or sedimentation;

To handle stormwater and snow removal runoff or other drainage problems on the site;

Of water for fire protection purposes and to meet the demand of the proposed use;

For the transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and materials.

Will, when applicable, conform to all performance standards as contained in Article IV of this chapter, both general and specific.

§ 275-5.21 Suburban Mixed Use District.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Permitted uses:

All use permitted in the General Industrial District.

Multifamily dwellings.

Institutional uses as defined in § 275-3.2 of this chapter.

Off-street parking requirements.

Off-street parking space shall be provided as follows:

Industrial and manufacturing activities: the lesser of one space per 1,000 square feet or one space per two employees on the largest shift.

All other commercial uses: one space per 400 square feet.

Multifamily residential uses: 1.5 spaces per unit.

Required off-street parking may be located within 300 feet of the development.

Required off-street parking spaces shall be set back from all property lines, front, rear and side, not less than five feet.

Suburban Mixed Use dimensional requirements. Except for structures existing as of June 30, 2016, the following dimensional requirements apply to all uses:¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.22 Solar Farm District.

Description and purpose. The Solar Farm District is established to allow the City Council to approve the location of solar farms on a case-by-case basis.

Permitted uses:

Solar farms as defined in § 275-3.2, Additional definitions, and in accordance with the performance standards in § 275-4.34, Solar farms.

§ 275-5.23 Commercial-C-1 District (C-C1).

[Added 12-15-2022 by Ord. No. 22-2022; amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

C-C1 permitted uses.

Nursing homes.

C-C1 dimensional requirements.*

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback:

Along arterials, the maximum setback is 20 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.

Along streets intersecting major arterials, the minimum setback is 20 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.

Side yard: 20 feet minimum all structures, including accessory dwelling units.

Rear yard: 20 feet minimum all structures, including accessory dwelling units.

For properties with apartments or accessory dwelling units, maximum coverage of lot by buildings: 30% of lot area.

For properties with apartments or accessory dwelling units, minimum usable open area: 35% of lot area.

Notes:
*	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
*	Development located within the Shoreland Zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage, and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
*	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
*	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.

Screening requirements.

Waterville City Zoning Code

ARTICLE V

Zoning District Requirements

§ 275-5.1 Low-Density Residential District (R-A).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-A principal uses permitted:

Two-family dwellings and alteration of single-family dwellings to accommodate no more than two families, provided that the parking standard and the dimensional requirements of the zone are met.

Accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37, unless private covenants apply

Community living arrangements, as defined in § 275-3.2.

Private and public schools, if adequately screened and fenced recreational areas are provided.

Public service facilities, including public parks and community centers. (See § 275-5.19B for additional examples.)

Churches, parish houses, rectories, convents.

Public utility or communications installations for service in the zoning district in which they are proposed to be located. No cellular telephone towers are permitted.

Mobile home subdivisions or developments as defined and as provided in Chapter 244, Subdivision of Land; Site Plan Review, of the City Code.

R-A special exceptions:

Raising of chickens in accordance with § 275-4.33, Chickens.

R-A dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 7,500 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 150 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 20 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 15 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 30 feet.

Side and rear yard, accessory structure,² minimum: 10 feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 20% lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 50% lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.2 Medium-Density Residential District (R-B).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 216-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-B principal uses permitted:

Any principal use permitted in the R-A District.

(Reserved)

Short-term residential rentals as provided in § 275-4.35.

Same as allowed in the R-A Zone.

Day-care centers, subject to dimensional requirements of the zone and as provided in § 275-4.11.

Home occupations within a dwelling, as provided in § 275-4.16, Home occupations.

Bed-and-breakfast inns as provided in § 275-4.7.

R-B Dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 8,500 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 4,250 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 85 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 20 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 30 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures including detached private garages,² minimum: five feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 25% lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 40% lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.3 General Residential District (R-C).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-C principal uses permitted:

Any uses permitted in the R-B District.

Homeless shelters in accordance with § 275-4.15.

Historical institutions and nonresidential philanthropic or charitable institutions of a public or semi-public nature.

Same as allowed in the R-B Zone.

R-C dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 7,500 square feet.

Area per family, minimum: 3,750 square feet, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.

Lot frontage, minimum: 75 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures, including detached garages,² minimum: five feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 30% of lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 35% of lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.4 General Residential District (R-D).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Purpose. The R-D District is principally for medium-density residential development. It is characterized by large houses, many of which have been converted to multifamily dwellings.

R-D principal uses permitted:

Any use permitted in the R-C District.

Same as R-B Zone.

R-D dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Side and rear yards, accessory structures, including detached garages,² minimum: five feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached private garages, swimming pools, sheds and portable shelters are accessory structures.
	A deck or similar extension of the principal structure or a garage attached to the principal structure by a roof or a common wall is considered part of the principal structure.

§ 275-5.5 Rural Residential District (R-R).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 2-4-2025 by Ord. No. 37-2025; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025; 7-17-2025 by Ord. No. 116-2025]

R-R principal and accessory uses:

Any principal or accessory use permitted in any residential district, except homeless shelters.

(Reserved)

Mobile home parks, subject to § 275-4.19.

Nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and hospitals.

Veterinary hospitals on lots of not less than two acres, provided that any building or area in which animals are kept is located at least 100 feet from any street or lot line.

Same as allowed in the R-B District.

Outdoor recreational areas and facilities as defined in § 275-3.2 and subject to § 275-4.25, Recreational facilities.

Processing of agricultural products, provided there is no discharge or dumping of pollutants of any nature, except in conformity to state and federal regulations.

Camping grounds, subject to § 275-4.9, Campgrounds.

Agriculture, including poultry and animal raising, subject to § 275-4.5, Animal husbandry and boarding kennels.

Any additional use compatible with an existing general use exception.

Cemeteries.

R-R dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 20,000 square feet.

Area per family, minimum, except that no land is required for accessory dwelling units as defined: 7,500 square feet.

Lot frontage, minimum: 150 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 40 feet.

Side yard, all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, minimum: 25 feet.

Rear yard, all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, minimum: 25 feet.

Lot coverage of all buildings, including accessory dwelling units, maximum: 30% of lot area.

Usable open area, minimum: 50% of lot area.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.

§ 275-5.6 Institutional Districts.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

The following use and dimensional requirements apply in the Institutional Districts:

Principal uses:

Educational facilities.

Social or civil activities.

Fraternal or religious facilities.

Hospitals, sanitariums, clinics, nursing homes or other medical institutions or uses.

Recreation buildings or facilities for nonprofit organizations.

Accessory uses:

Parking lots.

Housing for institutional staff or recipients of institutional services.

Services incidental to the principal use.

Institutional dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: zero feet or 50 feet if abutting a residential use or residential zone.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.7 Commercial-A (C-A) District.

[Amended 6-6-2023 by Ord. No. 95-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023]

C-A permitted uses:

Existing residential uses, existing and new accessory structures, and accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37.

Business and professional offices.

Retail stores.

Commercial or public parking areas for automobiles.

Eating establishments, including places offering dancing and entertainment.

Hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast inns in accordance with § 275-4.7, Bed-and-breakfast inns.

Indoor recreational facilities and theaters.

Printing and newspaper production.

Clubhouses for nonprofit recreational, social or fraternal organizations and religious facilities or churches.

(13)

Day-care centers.

(14)

Convenience stores with gas pumps and retailing and dispensing of automotive fuels in accordance with § 275-4.6, Automobile businesses.

(15)

Homeless shelters in accordance with § 275-4.15, except for ground floor level on Main Street between Spring Street and College Avenue.

(16)

C-A prohibited uses:

Service, repair and sale of automobiles.

Boat and trailer sales and service.

Junkyards, including the storage of inoperative motor vehicles.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 and shall be screened as provided in § 275-4.26.

Screening requirements.

§ 275-5.8 Commercial-B District (C-B).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

C-B permitted uses:

Drive-in or outdoor service establishments.

Outdoor storage areas and self-storage units, subject to the provisions for screening in § 275-4.26 of this chapter.

Wholesaling.

Assisted-living facilities.

Automotive sales, service, wash and repairs (including retailing and dispensing of automotive fuels) in accordance with § 275-4.6, Automobile businesses.

Sales and service of boats, trailers, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

C-B accessory uses:

Warehousing as accessory to a wholesaling establishment.

C-B prohibited uses:

Trucking terminals.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

C-B dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.9 Commercial-C District (C-C).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-C District is principally for establishments catering to the needs of motorists and users of motorized equipment, including sales, service and repair of motor vehicles.

C-C permitted uses:

Mobile home sales and service.

Contractors' storage yards, subject to the screening provisions in § 275-4.26.

Veterinary hospitals.

Equipment rental.

Outdoor golf driving ranges with the approval of the Planning Board.

Off-street parking and loading. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23.

C-C dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.10 Commercial-D District (C-D).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Description and purpose. The C-D District is principally for establishments which require exposure to a major highway and large areas of land on which to conduct their operations.

C-D permitted uses:

Laboratories for research and testing, subject to restrictions regarding nuisances as provided in this chapter.

Shopping centers.

Trucking, wholesaling and warehousing.

Screening and landscaping requirements.

A landscaped strip at least 15 feet in width shall be provided along the street line and planted and maintained with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

C-D dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: 200 feet.

Front setback: 100 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 100 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.11 Industrial Park District (I-P).

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

I-P permitted uses:

Manufacturing.

Non-manufacturing uses:

Research and development laboratories.

Commercial uses commonly accessory to or associated with industrial establishments.

Service establishments such as cafeterias and motels.

Public utility, transportation and communication facilities.

Municipal facilities and grounds.

Warehousing, wholesaling and outside storage of finished or semi-finished products.

Contractors' equipment storage yards, subject to the screening requirements in Subsection D.

I-P accessory uses:

Retail outlets. Retail outlets for products manufactured on the premises.

Landscaping and screening.

Required yard areas shall be planted and maintained in such a manner as to provide a landscaped setting for all buildings.

Street and access design.

Off-street parking requirements. Off-street parking shall be provided as set forth in § 275-4.23A(1)(k).

Off-street loading requirements. Off-street loading berths shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

I-P dimensional requirements.¹

Lot size, minimum: three acres.

Lot width, minimum: 250 feet.

Road frontage, minimum: 200 feet.

Front yard setback, minimum: 100 feet.

Side yard, minimum: 40 feet.

Rear yard, minimum: 50 feet.

Distance from a residential district: 150 feet.

Percentage of lot covered by buildings: 30%.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
¹	See the buffer required at Subsection D.
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.12 General Industrial District (I).

[Amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 179-2024; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

General Industrial permitted uses:

Any use permitted in the Commercial-D District, except apartments.

Bulk oil and fuel storage above ground. See § 275-4.32 and § 275-4.6C(2).

Retail and wholesale businesses customarily serving or consistent with industrial uses.

Municipal, public utility, communication and transportation facilities.

Uses forbidden. Residential uses are forbidden unless clearly incidental and accessory to a lawfully established use.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23.

General Industrial (I) dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area: No minimum.

Road frontage: 150 feet.

Lot width: 200 feet.

Front yard: 50 feet.

Side yard: 25 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Percentage of lot covered by buildings: 50% maximum.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

Screening and landscaping requirements.

A buffer strip of evergreens at least 25 feet in width and planted so as to attain a height of 25 feet within 10 years shall be maintained adjacent to any other zoning district.

A landscaping strip at least 15 feet in width shall be provided along the street line and planted and maintained with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

The Planning Board may, if requested by the applicant, approve an alternate screening plan which makes use of other methods to meet the intent of this screening requirement.

§ 275-5.13 Downtown Industrial District (D-I).

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Downtown Industrial uses permitted:

All uses permitted in the General Industrial District.

Multifamily dwellings.

Institutional uses as defined in § 275-3.2 of this chapter.

Off-street parking requirements.

Unless a different parking requirement is set forth in another section of this chapter, off-street parking space shall be provided as follows:

Industrial and manufacturing activities: the lesser of one space per 1,000 square feet or one space per two employees on the largest shift.

All other commercial uses: one space per 400 square feet.

Multifamily residential uses: 1.5 spaces per unit.

Required off-street parking may be located within 300 feet of the development.

Required off-street parking spaces shall be set back from all property lines, front, rear and side, not less than five feet.

Downtown Industrial dimensional requirements. Except for structures existing as of March 1, 2008, the following dimensional requirements apply to all uses:¹

Lot area: None.

Frontage: None.

Front yard: 20 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.¹

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.14 Airport Industrial District (A-I).

[Amended 3-6-2024 by Ord. No. 49-2024; 5-6-2025 by Ord. No. 97-2025]

Airport Industrial uses permitted:

Wholesale businesses and warehousing customarily serving or consistent with manufacturing or other industrial uses.

Offices and telephone call centers.

Municipal, public utility and communication facilities.

Storage tanks for fuel or raw materials.

Solar farms, subject to § 275-4.34 and the dimensional requirements below.

Truck parking facilities.

Airport Industrial dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area: None.

Frontage: None.

Front yard: 20 feet.

Side yard: 20 feet.

Rear yard: 20 feet.

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	Solar arrays shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from all property lines, the setback required for principal structures in this zone.

Air-space easements. See Chapter 109, Airport, of the City Code.

§ 275-5.15 Airport District (AIR).

Description and purpose. The Airport District is established for uses associated with and supporting the airport.

AIR uses permitted:

Aviation uses.

Uses supporting the airport.

Solar farms, subject to performance standards in § 275-4.34.

Off-street parking and loading requirements. Off-street parking and loading space shall be provided as required in § 275-4.23 of this chapter.

Dimensional requirements: None.

§ 275-5.16 Resource Protection District.

Description and purpose.

The Resource Protection District specifically includes:

Areas of exceptional scientific and educational importance or unique natural value;

Areas designated by the federal government, the state, the City or private persons as natural areas of significance to be protected from development;

Fragile slopes: areas of two or more contiguous acres with sustained slopes of 20% or unstable slopes subject to slumping, mass movement or severe erosion;

Natural sites of significant scenic or aesthetic value;

(h)

Significant archaeological and historic sites;

(i)

Performance standards. All Resource Protection Districts are subject to § 275-4.27H, Shoreland performance standards, whether or not they are located in the shoreland zone.

Uses permitted:

Signs.

Billboards are prohibited in the Resource Protection District.

Agriculture. See § 275-4.27H(1), Agriculture;

Small, nonresidential facilities for educational, scientific or nature interpretation purposes;

Public and private parks and recreation areas involving minimal structural development;

Piers, docks, wharves, breakwaters and uses projecting into water bodies;

Earth-moving activities. See § 275-4.12 and § 275-4.27H(8).

Uses prohibited:

Residential dwelling units;

Commercial structures;

Industrial structures;

Structures not accessory to special exceptions;

Governmental and institutional uses other than those specifically permitted in Subsection C, Uses permitted, and Subsection D, Special exceptions;

Campgrounds and individual private campsites;

Roads, driveways and parking facilities, except for parking areas serving public boat-launching facilities;

Marinas;

Clearing of vegetation, except clearing which is necessary for uses specifically permitted in the Resource Protection District;

Mineral exploration;

Mineral extraction;

Essential services, except as provided in Subsection D(5) above.

§ 275-5.17 Transitional District (T).

[Amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Principal uses permitted:

Single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units as defined and as provided in § 275-4.37.

The following uses are allowed subject to Subsection D below:

Construction of new multifamily dwellings as provided in § 275-4.20.

Private and public schools, if adequately screened and fenced recreational areas are provided.

Banks and credit unions.

Retail stores. Warehousing or manufacturing on the premises are not permitted, except as are clearly incidental to such business or service.

Health and beauty spas.

Restaurants.

Day-care centers, subject to § 275-4.11.

Home occupations within a dwelling as provided in § 275-4.16.

Design review.

The intent of design review is to preserve existing buildings whenever possible. Proposed construction must be approved prior to any demolition or significant alteration of existing buildings.

The applicant shall provide detailed architectural elevations of proposed finished structures, including specification of the type of material to be used in all significant exterior components.

Signs. Signs advertising the name of a business may be 24 inches by 36 inches in size. No product brand names may be advertised.

Screening requirements.

A landscaped strip at least 10 feet in width shall be provided along the street line, planted with appropriate street trees and flowering shrubs.

Dumpsters shall be screened.

Transitional District dimensional requirements.¹

Lot area, minimum: 15,000 square feet.

Lot frontage, minimum: 100 feet.

Lot depth, minimum: 100 feet.

Front yard, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 10 feet.

Side yard, accessory building,² minimum: 10 feet.

Rear yard, principal building and accessory dwelling unit, minimum: 20 feet.

Rear yard, accessory building,² minimum: 10 feet.

Notes:
¹	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage, and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
	No parking. is required for accessory dwelling units as defined.
	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.
²	Detached garages shall have five-foot setbacks.

§ 275-5.18 Contract zoning.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Authority. In accordance with 30-A M.R.S. § 4352(8), as amended from time to time, property in the City of Waterville may be rezoned by means of a process known as "contract zoning."

Purpose.

Definition. As used in this section, the following term shall have the meaning indicated:

CONTRACT ZONING

Mandatory conditions.

Any amendment to the boundaries of a zoning district adopted pursuant to this section shall:

Be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Waterville, as amended;

Be consistent with the existing and permitted uses within the rezoned district;

Only include conditions and restrictions which relate to the physical development or operation of the property;

The request for contract zoning consideration must be initiated by the property owner.

Discretionary conditions. Any zone change adopted pursuant to this section may include reasonable conditions or restrictions such as, but not limited to, the following:

Limitations on the number and type of authorized uses of the property;

Limitations on the height, exterior appearance and lot coverage of any structure or structures built on the property;

Increased setbacks and side yards for any structure or structures built on the property;

The creation, operation and maintenance of open space areas or buffer zones;

The dedication or conveyance of property for public purpose, including, but not limited to, streets, scenic and conservation easements, parks and utility systems.

§ 275-5.19 General use exceptions.

Governmental service facilities, including fire stations, sewage disposal and treatment facilities and water supply facilities.

Civil defense facilities and installations.

§ 275-5.20 Special exceptions.

Application for special exception permit. Application for a special exception permit shall be made to the Code Enforcement Officer.

The applicant shall:

Clearly specify the location of the proposed use, including street address, Assessor's Tax Map and lot number, and a location map.

Describe the exact nature of the proposed use.

Notice requirement.

The purpose of this mailing is to allow abutters a fourteen-day comment period.

For the purposes of this notification, the definition of "abutter" in § 275-3.2 applies.

The Code Enforcement Officer shall maintain a list of names and addresses of those persons to whom he mailed notices.

Failure of any property owner to receive a notice shall not invalidate the action of the Code Enforcement Officer.

Will meet the definition set forth in this chapter for the specific special exception, and will be in compliance with all applicable state or federal laws;

Will be compatible with the general character of the neighborhood with regard to design, scale and bulk of proposed structures;

Will not create fire safety hazards by providing adequate access to the site, or to the buildings on the site, for emergency vehicles;

Will not create a safety hazard to motorists traveling on adjacent public streets by reason of proposed exterior lighting or vehicular traffic created by the special exception use;

Will have, if applicable and as required by state law or City ordinances, adequate provision:

For disposal of wastewater or solid waste, or for the prevention of ground- or surface water contamination;

To control erosion or sedimentation;

To handle stormwater and snow removal runoff or other drainage problems on the site;

Of water for fire protection purposes and to meet the demand of the proposed use;

For the transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and materials.

Will, when applicable, conform to all performance standards as contained in Article IV of this chapter, both general and specific.

§ 275-5.21 Suburban Mixed Use District.

[Amended 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

Permitted uses:

All use permitted in the General Industrial District.

Multifamily dwellings.

Institutional uses as defined in § 275-3.2 of this chapter.

Off-street parking requirements.

Off-street parking space shall be provided as follows:

Industrial and manufacturing activities: the lesser of one space per 1,000 square feet or one space per two employees on the largest shift.

All other commercial uses: one space per 400 square feet.

Multifamily residential uses: 1.5 spaces per unit.

Required off-street parking may be located within 300 feet of the development.

Required off-street parking spaces shall be set back from all property lines, front, rear and side, not less than five feet.

Suburban Mixed Use dimensional requirements. Except for structures existing as of June 30, 2016, the following dimensional requirements apply to all uses:¹

Lot size: two acres.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback: 30 feet.

Side yard: 50 feet.

Rear yard: 50 feet.

Notes:
¹	Development located within the shoreland zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).

§ 275-5.22 Solar Farm District.

Description and purpose. The Solar Farm District is established to allow the City Council to approve the location of solar farms on a case-by-case basis.

Permitted uses:

Solar farms as defined in § 275-3.2, Additional definitions, and in accordance with the performance standards in § 275-4.34, Solar farms.

§ 275-5.23 Commercial-C-1 District (C-C1).

[Added 12-15-2022 by Ord. No. 22-2022; amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 179-2023; 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 101-2025]

C-C1 permitted uses.

Nursing homes.

C-C1 dimensional requirements.*

Lot size: No minimum.

Frontage: No minimum.

Front setback:

Along arterials, the maximum setback is 20 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.

Along streets intersecting major arterials, the minimum setback is 20 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.

Side yard: 20 feet minimum all structures, including accessory dwelling units.

Rear yard: 20 feet minimum all structures, including accessory dwelling units.

For properties with apartments or accessory dwelling units, maximum coverage of lot by buildings: 30% of lot area.

For properties with apartments or accessory dwelling units, minimum usable open area: 35% of lot area.

Notes:
*	When the Maine Uniform Building and Electrical Code and NFPA 101 require the addition of a second means of egress to an existing building, stated setbacks do not apply.
*	Development located within the Shoreland Zone must meet the requirements for minimum lot size, maximum lot coverage, minimum shore frontage, and minimum setback from high water line contained in § 275-4.27J(1).
*	Minimum lot size requirements under the State Plumbing Code apply.
*	Accessory structures existing as of July 1, 2023, may be converted to accessory dwelling units, provided that setback requirements for accessory structures are met.

Screening requirements.