Building a Camp in Maine (Bangor: houses, purchasing, camps)

[CMBurns]

Hello all,

I apologize in advance. This is probably going to seem like a really dumb question.

I'm a long time resident of Maine, specifically the Bangor area, who had to move away in order to find work in my field. Living elsewhere hasn't been pleasant, but I am managing to set aside some money (not much, but some), and I've been thinking more and more lately about purchasing a bit of land in Maine and putting a primitive camp of some sort on it. Nothing fancy, but something where I could spend some months of the year, or perhaps even overwinter in.

Unfortunately, I'm completely clueless when it comes to building, or even owning land. I know many have primitive camps in Maine, but from everything I've been able to read, such camps would be in direct violation of many of the state's building codes in unincorporated areas. So how do so many in Maine get away with it? Are they just building them, betting that the state and/or local government will either not notice or not bother with enforcing the codes? Are they getting variances somehow? Or am I missing some critical exemption to the building codes?

Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

-CMB

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by CMBurns

Hello all,

I apologize in advance. This is probably going to seem like a really dumb question.

I'm a long time resident of Maine, specifically the Bangor area, who had to move away in order to find work in my field. Living elsewhere hasn't been pleasant, but I am managing to set aside some money (not much, but some), and I've been thinking more and more lately about purchasing a bit of land in Maine and putting a primitive camp of some sort on it. Nothing fancy, but something where I could spend some months of the year, or perhaps even overwinter in.

Unfortunately, I'm completely clueless when it comes to building, or even owning land. I know many have primitive camps in Maine, but from everything I've been able to read, such camps would be in direct violation of many of the state's building codes in unincorporated areas. So how do so many in Maine get away with it? Are they just building them, betting that the state and/or local government will either not notice or not bother with enforcing the codes? Are they getting variances somehow? Or am I missing some critical exemption to the building codes?

Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

-CMB

to be safe, take a trip to the local town office and ask questions, if no town office, ask lurc-best to be safe than sorry
there is a difference of a "permanent" structure and a portable/movable one
and one that has plumbing and one that doesnt

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by CMBurns

Hello all ...

Hello to you too.

... Unfortunately, I'm completely clueless when it comes to building, or even owning land. I know many have primitive camps in Maine, but from everything I've been able to read, such camps would be in direct violation of many of the state's building codes in unincorporated areas. So how do so many in Maine get away with it? Are they just building them, betting that the state and/or local government will either not notice or not bother with enforcing the codes? Are they getting variances somehow? Or am I missing some critical exemption to the building codes?

Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

-CMB

In an Unorganized Township [UT] LURC rules.

You need a permit from LURC if your structure will be 'permanent' [which means that it has a concrete or mortared stone foundation].

If you wish to build a permanent residence then file a permit with LURC, pour a foundation and build everything up to code.

Camps are very popular here.

A trailer parked on a dirt access trail with a wooden porch, is not seen as a permanent structure as it will burn down or collapse one day from snow load, and the following year will see brush growing on the location. In 10 years it will be forest once again.

A one-room wood-stick cabin with a porch and a hand-pump well could be very cozy. Outhouses are legal too.