Building waterfront - what do I need to know? (camps, move)

[retiredtinbender]

The drinking, from what I've heard.

[dmyankee]

I've known people who had to "re-forest" their front yards buying seedlings and replanting. Others have had to chain saw a few feet off their deck because it was a violation of the 75' setback. On top of the fines!

I would talk to the CEO before even buying land these days.

[mrs1885]

Yikes. Sounds like the codes and such as about as fun as Florida was. *rolls eyes*

Ok, I'll spend today harassing code enforcement in a few towns.

Anyone have anything to say about the following towns:

Machiasport / East Machias, Trescott, Edmunds, Pembroke or Eastport? Eastport is my favorite so don't hurt me too bad.

Also, is flooding an issue if you're on the water? I'm not sure how much tidal rise you get up there.

[retiredtinbender]

Originally Posted by mrs1885

Yikes. Sounds like the codes and such as about as fun as Florida was. *rolls eyes*

Ok, I'll spend today harassing code enforcement in a few towns.

Anyone have anything to say about the following towns:

Machiasport / East Machias, Trescott, Edmunds, Pembroke or Eastport? Eastport is my favorite so don't hurt me too bad.

Also, is flooding an issue if you're on the water? I'm not sure how much tidal rise you get up there.

Depends on where you own. South and west of Eastport are generally not in flood plain. Some are.

[mrs1885]

Ok. Will have to look at that too. We'd planned on doing a stilt floorplan for the house we want but hubby's sister has MS and is in a wheelchair. Stairs aren't an option for her. We could do a ramp for a few steps but not all the way up an entire flight. So we're looking at a pier foundation that's not too high up. Flooding will definitely be a concern.

[399083453]

Basically, land in the shoreland zone: You cant do anything to the land from the hightide mark to 100 feet inland.

You also need to meet the normal city setbacks for neighbors, wells, septics, etc. Its quite alot of work, but it can be worth it.

[mrs1885]

Originally Posted by 399083453

Basically, land in the shoreland zone: You cant do anything to the land from the hightide mark to 100 feet inland.

You also need to meet the normal city setbacks for neighbors, wells, septics, etc. Its quite alot of work, but it can be worth it.

Thanks. I think we need to just get up there. Look at the properties we're seeing on line. Talk to people that live there and to the code / zoning department. We know we like the general area but until we're there in person and really have time to look around and ask questions I don't think we'll be able to nail anything down perfectly.

Darn. Looks like a Maine vacation is in order!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Yes, you do. There are many things you can do within 100 feet of the shore. I have been on town planning boards in Maine since 1974. Don't go by the rumors and superstitions you see on the internet.

[Maineah]

Some developers of shoreland will take the fines and clear out everything between their speculation property and the water. Even if replanted they can pay the fines and move the property much more easily than they can on land with a restricted water view. I also know people who "cut a tree a year" so as to not draw suspicion. It's doubtful anyone will notice a tree gone a year and in a few years you'll have that water view and no one will be the wiser.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

The four D's don't count. You can cut any trees that are dead, diseased, dying or dangerous. Then you take your inventory. One 16 inch tree is the same as 16 four inch trees. It goes by basal area which is the area of the cross section of a tree measured at mean breast height. That is 4.5 feet from the ground. The best thing is to take photos. The limits apply to cutting in a ten year period, NOT since you bought the land.