Maine is unusually explicit: state law defines a qualifying chassis-built “tiny home,” provides a title pathway, and says municipalities shall permit such tiny homes on individual house lots where single-family dwellings are allowed or as accessory structures—while still applying the relevant land-use requirements.
“Tiny house” is a lifestyle description. Regulators care about the legal building or vehicle classification.
Title 29-A defines a tiny home as permanent living quarters on a frame or chassis, no more than 400 square feet, compliant with specified ANSI or NFPA standards, within roadway dimensional limits, and without motive power. The definition expressly distinguishes it from RVs and manufactured housing.
Maine law says a municipality shall permit a qualifying tiny home on an individual house lot where single-family dwellings are allowed or as an accessory structure, subject to applicable land-use requirements as a single-family dwelling or accessory structure.
State law provides a process to cancel the certificate of title when a titled tiny home is permanently affixed to real property owned by the tiny-home owner.
Maine’s statewide building and energy code applies to construction and renovation statewide, with enforcement arrangements varying by municipality. A site-built tiny dwelling should be reviewed under the applicable building-code and local land-use pathway rather than assumed to be the chassis-built statutory “tiny home.”
This page is research and planning information, not legal advice or a permit determination. Rules can change and local officials determine how they apply to a specific parcel and project.