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		<mainTitle nfc="4"><title>The land use handbook</title>/<respStmt>Maine Land Use Regulation Commission, Maine Department of Conservation.</respStmt></mainTitle>
		<volume>Section 5. Design ideas</volume>
	</titleStmt>
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		<corpAuthor><name type="jurisdiction">Maine.</name><subName>Land Use Regulation Commission.</subName></corpAuthor>
		<corpAuthor><name type="jurisdiction">Maine.</name><subName>Dept. of Conservation.</subName></corpAuthor>
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			<subject cat="sub">Land Use Regulation Commission.</subject>
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			<subject cat="top">Regional planning</subject>
			<subject cat="gen">Law and legislation</subject>
			<subject cat="geo">Maine.</subject>
		</locClass>
		<locClass>
			<subject cat="top">Building permits</subject>
			<subject cat="geo">Maine.</subject>
		</locClass>
		<locClass>
			<subject cat="top">Logging</subject>
			<subject cat="gen">Environmental aspects</subject>
			<subject cat="geo">Maine.</subject>
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<pb n="1" />

                       COASTAL ZONE
                       INFORMATION CENTER

           THE LAND USE
                  HANDBOOK
                         Section
                         s
                                              cLi C COLLL6 1 ION

       HD
                               ign ld

   ?f" 184
   0
       .M2
      IL3
       1978           ic- 1.1
       Section 5 tTMENT OF CONSERVATION                   LAND USE REGULATION COMMISSION
       c. 2
<pb n="2" />

                                                                                                                                0

                                                                                                                               0

           FThis Manual was financed in part by the National          Reproduction or resale of any part of this booklet _@
               Endowment for The Arts. The views expressed,           for commercial purposes requires written permis-
               however, do not necessarily represent the views        sion from the Department of Conservation, State
               of the Endowment.                                      House, Augusta, Maine 04333.
               November 1978                                          Printed under appropriation number 1509-1001.
                                                                                                                            1  0
<pb n="3" />

             Design Ideas
                                                                     AL
             For      Your home and the land
                      Subdividing your land
                      Surface mining your land
                      Sign design

             Table of Contents

             INTRODUCTION      .....................................................................................2

             YOUR HOME AND THE LAND         ...................................................................4
             Before you buy land or build .....................................................................4
             Before you buy-a checklist   .....................................................................5
             How to place a home on the land   ...............................................................6
             Placing a home on the land-factors to consider    ..........................................7
             Examples of some well-sited houses   .............................................  .......... 10
             A Story-A hot@se tailored to the land  ....................................................... 11
             Placing a home on a large lot  .................................................................. 12
             Placing a home on shorefront property    ..................................................... 13
             How to place a mobile home   ................................................................... 15
             Landscaping   ........................................................................................ 17
             Driveways  ............................................................................................ 20
             Energy saving ideas   .............................................................................. 22
             A Story-The house that Jack built    .......................................................... 25

             SUBDIVIDING YOUR LAND       ..................................................................... 26

             What is a subdivision?  ........................................................................... 26

             Planning a subdivision  ........................................................................... 27
             Tn

                                                                    The Land Use H a ndbook- Section 5
<pb n="4" />

                     Knowing the land     .................................................................................. 28
                     Laying out lots   ..................................................................................... 30
                     Subdividing shoreland property       ............................................................... 32
                     A Story  ................................................................................................ 34

                     SURFACE MINING YOUR LAND              .............................................................. 35
                     Surface mining for sand, gravel, loam and clay        ........................................... 35
                     Extracting borrow materials      .................................................................... 36
                     Reclaiming a borrow pit     ......................................................................... 37

                     SIGN DESIGN IDEAS        ............................................................................. 38
                     How to design a good sign      ...................................................................... 38
                  ----------

                     MORE'IN FORMATION          ........................................................................... 42

                   '_J_ntroduction

                     Section 5 of the Land Use Handbook con                This Section complements two other pub-
                     tains design ideas for siting homes, sub-             lications available from the Maine Land Use
                     dividing land, working borrow (sand and               Regulation Commission-" Build i ng in the
                     gravel) pits and designing signs.                     Wildlands of Maine" and "Subdividing in the
                                                                           Wildlands of Maine."
                     The purpose of this Section is to assist land
                     owners and others to achieve good design.
                     The notes, illustrations and photographs
                     suggest things you should consider before
                     committing yourself to a particular course of
                     action. The ideas will help improve the qual-
                     ity of development on your land and increase
                     the value of your investment.

             2 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="5" />

              Section 5 is divided into four parts. The first     @urface mining operations are described in
              part focuses on how a home should be                the third part of this Section. The text covers
  41          placed on the land. Site conditions and             three issues: how to plan for extracting
              energy saving ideas you should consider             material; how to work the pit; and how to
              before you buy and before you build are             reclaim the pit once operations are com-
              described and illustrated. Special attention        plete.
              is given to building on the shorefront, plac-
              ing a mobile home, landscaping, and design-         The final part of this Section contains ideas
              ing an energy efficient home.                       for designing and placing signs to advertise
                                                                  a business on your property.
              The second major part of Section 5 suggests
              how to go about designing a small, 3 to 10
              lot, subdivision. Regulations that apply to
              subdivision design often dictate lot sizes
              and dimensions; the notes on pages 26
              through 33 go beyond these minimums and
              show you how to analyze a land parcel in
              order to lay out lots that will sell and at the
              same time create a good quality subdivision.

           Please Note: This section is intended for general information. It is not intended for
                                    legal reference.

                                                                             The Land Use H a ndbook- Section 5
<pb n="6" />

              Your home and the land
                                                                 5)
                                                                         Before you buy land or build

                                                                            Your decision to buy I and for a home or camp
                                                                            is an important one. Before you commit time
                                                                            or money to any piece of land make sure you
                                                                            have checked it out completely. Is it really
                                                                            what you want? Is it well located? Can your
                                                                            land accommodate a sewage system? Is it a
                                                                            good investment? The information on the
                                                                            following pages will help you make a sound
                                                                            decision.

                  Select a location that meets your needs

                     Is the land convenient to work, school, shop-
                     ping and recreation? Is the area developin
                                                                     9
                     rapidly or slowly? Is this what you want?                  7@

                                                                              @n-
                     Are the local services adequate? Are the
                     dump, fire department, police force, library,
                                                                                                @""Akl'
                     health services, school system, road                                          01-1V
                     maintenance, and other services sufficient
                     to meet your needs?

                     Are local taxes reasonable? Does local zon-
                     ing protect your investment by assuring that
                     adverse development will not occur next
                     door? If the land is in a subdivision, are there
                     protective covenants that help assure quality
                     development? Are there lakes, woods, moun-
                     tains or parks nearby to satisfy your year-
                     round, outdoor recreation needs?
                                                                                                      A
             CSelec

             4 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="7" />

       Your home and the land
        Before you. buy- a checklist

            Is the land good for building?
            Physical considerations:                                   Other questions worth considering:
          El   Is the land accessible by road year round?           171  Can you obtain firewood for your use from
               Are the soils suitable for a waste-water                  the land?
               sewage system?                                       0    Can you make use of the sun's heat by
          E3   Are the slopes reasonable for constructing a              locating the house on a southern slope?
               driveway and home?                                   C]   Are there opportunities for views from the
                                                                         site?
               Is water available from a spring, lake or well?      0    Are there natural fire breaks that lessen the
          F-I  Can electrical and telephone services be pro-             chances of a forest fire burning your land or
               vided?                                                    home?
          El   Is the land where you will build or place a          El   Does the land have unique features like old
               septic system high and dry?                               stone walls or sugar maples that make it
                                                                         more valuable or attractive?
            Legal considerations:                                   El   Is there valuable timber on the land that you
          F]   Do land use regulations for the area allow                can market?
               you to construct buildings and make im-              El   Are the soils good for farming and garden-
               provements?                                               ing?
          0    Can you meet applicable lot size, setback            El   Is the best home site on the land easily ac-
               and frontage requirements?                                cessible?
          El   Has the land been surveyed so that you know          E3   Are there opportunities for outdoor recrea-
               exactly what you are buying?                              tion on the land?
          M    Has a title search on the land been com-
               pleted and does it show that the seller really
               owns the land and that the title is "clear?"
               Are there any restrictions in the deed?
          0    If the land is in a subdivision, is it a legal sub-
               division, recorded in a Registry of Deeds?
          0    If the land is in a subdivision, what services
               will the subdivider provide?

            Do not put your money down unless you are sure

            Use the checklist above to find out if you are
            making a good buy. Talk to persons in the
            neighborhood, walk the land, compare prices
            with similar land, visit the local town office
            (or call the Land Use Regulation Commis-                                     1141
            sion, if the land is in an unorganized area).
            People familiar with the area can provide up-
            to-date information on regulations, prices,
            problems, contractors, etc.
       Fis the                                                                                i consideri no-

                                                                              The Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="8" />

               Your home and the land
               How to place a home on the land

                    Good siting makes sense and savings

                    You can save by planning, on paper, where to
                    place a home on the land before you build.
                    A home that is well placed and designed
                    to fit the site can:

                    *  increase the home's sale (or resale) value
                    *  reduce fuel bills
                    *  increase the owners enjoyment of the land
                       and
                    *  contribute to the scenic quality of the
                       neighborhood.

                    How to select the best house site

                          The final location you select for a house on
                          your land should take many factors into con
                          sideration, including those listed on pages
                          7-10. After looking at those pages and the ex-
                          amples on pages 11 and 12, decide what f ac
                          tors are important to you and follow these
                                                                                                                                       o.A "It
                          steps:
                                                                                                            '01UIIA;I
                          Draw a plan or diagram of the land that
                          shows: low areas with wet soils; areas
                          where a septic system may be placed;                                     too
                                                                                                                                 81'"t
                          areas with steep unbuildable slopes;                                                           F".
                                                                                                                          8,@
                                                                                                                               .4       !e
                          areas inaccessible by car; high points with                           Old
                          good views; nice trees or groups of trees;                            ficict &amp;,@,d  ;I-,) OVC.
                          existing clearings in the woods; the direc-                                          %A .6
                                                                                                         C.SWC'..10
                          tion of storm winds; where the sun rises                                6.;% -        @W
                          and sets at different times of the year; and                            tr
                                                                                                  W&amp;
                          any other important features.                                     0            tT7ZI--CA
                                                                                           3

                       2.Test different house locations by drawing
                                                                                                                             WET
                          an outline of the house in different places                                           :-A.         ARMA
                          on the plan diagram.                                               qoc@'

                                                                                                                                          A
                       3.Select a location that offers the most
                          advantages and least disadvantages,
                          based on what is important to you.                              )1@

                                                                                               Locokion

               0 The Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="9" />

        Your home and the land
             lacing a home on the land@
        factors to consider

        K_
             Make sure the soil conditions are satisfactory
             Poor soils can make building difficult and ex-       Consult a licensed soils evaluator. A list of
             pensive. Make sure the soil conditions where         evaluators is available from the Dept. of
             you plan to build the house, driveway, waste         Human Services, State House, Augusta,
             disposal bed, or other structures are                Maine 04333. Phone (207) 289-3826.
             satisfactory. Ideally, the soils should be free
             of clay deep, well-drained and not subject to
        Uful`@@    in g.

             Will the water supply be reliable?
             Drilled wells are the most reliable source of        Be aware of possible sources of contamina-
             water. Check with local people and well              tion such as road salt, dumps, nearby septic
             drillers to find out the quality of the water        disposal systems, gas stations, etc. Refer to
             and at what depth the water is found.                the "Ground Water Handbook for Maine".

             Sun and wind directions

             Use the diagram on the right to find out
             where the sun will rise and set relative to
             your land. Then plan the location of your
             rooms and windows so as to get a maximum
             of sun.                                                       W
             Plan to minimize the effect of cold winds
             from the north-west and to catch the cooling
             affect of summer breezes.
                            DAVedM5 Ckp?@ '@O MA@M                                        S

         The a      dvantage of a hillside location "-11;0
                                                                                    P Stu,           4,5"4 LVA
                                                                              5u@@ to V.@          www's
                    COOL 813LZCZC (Summm)             Ra5i&amp; 5kWA 0104 45un                       LO           *MCR  WIND
                                                      6ut 4d"a          WAX AA"

                                      0'a "@d     @0
        @
                    t
             De d   NAJ
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             w te  r.C
             d@lIe rs
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             and at w

                                                                              The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="10" />

                Place your home so it gets a maximum
                amount of winter sunlight

                Save energy by letting the winter sun shine in
                and heat your house for you. Position your
                house so that areas with large windows face
                south.

                                                                                                    -MMM

                                                                                                           ang
                                                                                                     W

                An ideal location. This  house is on a south
                facing slope.

                Use hardwood trees to shade your house

                Try to position your house on the north side        ditioners. The leaves provide cool shade in
                of large hardwood trees like maple, oaks,           summer and in winter the bare branches let
                birches, etc. They act as natural air-con-          in the sunlight.
                                                                           47
                                                                        ..........
                                                                            -7
                                                                    LF

             @@"__Winter-warmth-="@-                                     Summer-cool sh     e

                Use trees to protect your house from cold winds

                A natural shelter belt of softwood trees such       Trees to the north of your house break cold
                as pines, spruce, or hemlock helps create a         windsthatcan increase your heating bill.
                calm area around the house.

                                   .. .......
                         wan=".,

                                              This     distance   can    be
                                                                                      5HELTE
                                              between 20 and     100 feet             OF' CAX4 iF5 I t5
                                                                                          I-

                                              but no more than 5 times
                                                   .. ... F... k..                                           -
                                                       C       -,--       , -
                       4L      Oki            the tree eig t. j
                          L                                                        A^Lk

                 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="11" />

               Take advantage of the view

               A good view adds value to the property.
               Place the house so that living areas and
               large windows can face the view (and, if
               possible, face south).

               Locate the house so that any unattractive
               views are screened or can be screened with
               planting a fence, garage ... etc.

               Consider nearby views as well as distant
               ones. Trees or a rock wall in the foreground
               can frame a view of a lake, mountains or
               farmlands.

               Decide where outdoor areas will be located

               The area surrounding the house site must be         recreational vehicles. Place these facilities
               planned to accommodate outdoor areas and            so they are convenient to use and work in
               activities.                                         harmony with each other. For example, the
                                                                   wood pile should be in a location where
               Before you settle on a final house location         wood can be unloaded, split, stored and
               decide where you wish to: put in a garden;          brought indoors easily, without blocking the
               clear for a lawn and children's play area;          driveway or destroying the children's play
               build a garage, shed or other accessory             area.
               buildings; park the car and guests cars; store
               wood; make an addition; and park or store

                                                                    P6@

                      vq@@

                                 -&gt;K
               ibococ)                            0 0
                                                     R 0 A

                                                                            The Land Use Handbook-Section5
<pb n="12" />

             Examples of some well-sited houses

                                                                                        A new house that blends with
                                 z k'-
                                                                                        traditional styles nearby. This
                                                                                        house is on a south facing slope
                                                                                        and has large windows on the
                                                                                        south side. Small windows on
                                               Nil=                                     the north and east, and a broad
                                                                                        screen of trees to the north (on
                                                  Pl,
                                                                                        the left in photo) all help reduce
                                                                                        heat loss.

                                                                                        This house takes advantage of
                                                                                        the site. The trees provide a
                                                                                        cooling effect     in    summer;
                                                                                        boulders have been retained as
                                                                                        landscaping features; the living
                                                                                        room of the house face south
                                                                                        (left in photo) and the garage is
                                                                                        set u6der the house which sits
                                                                                        on a small hill.

                                                                    "Y

                                                                                   0A
                                                                                    ti,I

                                                                       0                Angled away from the road to
                                                                   t                    catch both sun and view, this
                                                                                        house gains heat from large win-
                                                                                        dows. The earth insulates the
                                                                                        lower floor on the north, west
                                                                                        and east, trees to the north act
                                                                                        as a wind barrier.

                                                        A@

                                           @Ow                                          All three homes are set well
                                                                                        back from the road on well-
                           009
                                                                                        drained sites.

            10      The Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="13" />

         Your home and the land
         A Story@ A house tailored to the land

             The First Step

                  Mike and Maureen moved their mobile home                 Mike and Maureen had little difficulty
                  out of the trailer park and onto 2 acres of              sketching out a plan/diagram of their parcel.
                  rural land shortly after they were married. As           They knew that if they placed their new home
                  an electrician and the father of a growing               carefully they could take advantage of the
                  family, Mike realized that he wanted to build            land's best features and build a house
                  a well-insulated house and sell the mobile               tailored to their land and their needs. The
                  home. Maureen agreed; as bookkeeper she                  diagram they drew looked like this and was
                  had watched the electric bills climb and the             drawn roughly to scale.
                  value of the mobile home drop.
                                                       R 0     D
                                                          Fine at @lii i cvee_)S@@

                                                                       BE5T ACCE56

                                          'FIE LD - 061 dvalnea

                                                                                                      PLAN/
                                                                                                      DLAGRAh4
                                                                                                      OF PARCZL
                             Harawoc)8
                                                                 WF@T  APZA.

                                                                    46

                                                                                                          Dnve=M wt5 wm
             The Next Step                                                                                FOtt t4"; w fX %D
                                                                                                                 Tala; seei;@,

                  The next step was to test the advantages and                                                not fa4 @JvW4.9&amp;
                  disadvantages of different house locations.                                               Vip-W5 4 %4n - nOt
                  The sketches below show how they reached                                                bkA dmkim.
                                                                                                      _j
                  a final decision.

                                                                                                          _646 a&amp;
                                                  am not tow aA-                                          vtews 4 C    SmAk
                                                           VaWi COVA
                                                                                                          @Oft ro
                           3-                     @ Za5 0
                                                                                                                uot sef 4c -@-Aam
                   septw sliXon
                                                                                          .104
         rThe 1

                                 VIAA@

                                                                                                               &amp;w@- 6%se

                                                                                   The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="14" />

            Your home and the land
             Placing a home on a large lot

                 Analyze the land before you decide where to build

                 The larger the land parcel, the more difficult          In this example of a 60 acre lot the owners
                 it is to select a house site-there are more             wanted a house location with: privacy in a
                 options. One way to make a decision is to               woodland setting; well drained, southward
                 carefully list what is important to you and             facing slopes; softwood trees to the north
                 then analyze the land, as shown in the exam-            and west of the house (as a wind break); easy
                 ple below.                                              access on a driveway that was simple to
                                                                         plow; and both distant and nearby views.

                 A Site Analysis
                                                                                 3LOPES fe SOIL5
                                                                                        Reka"Ci4 ?Ink

                                                        N N@                     ........
                                   41
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                                                                                 FEATURES

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                                                                    /'IV         C::-D  Moek 6a4@4 ke5

            12 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="15" />

        Your home and the land

                          ,m"
        Placing a home on shoref ront property

            Xproperty in Maine within 250                                                  6
            feet of the ocean, and most
            rivers and streams, and lakes or
            ponds of 10 acres or more, is
            subject to shoreland regula-
                                                                                                                      Z-
            tions.

            Before you buy, build or clear                                                            t
            land in theseareasfind outwhat
            regulations apply to you.

            Check with your local officials
            or, in the unorganized areas                              Shoreland regulations    require that you    do
            check with the Land Use                      Save         not cut more than 30% (or 40% if       you  live
            Regulation         Commission                trees        outside L.U.R.C's jurisdiction) of the trees
            and see section 3 pages 25 and                            near the water within any 10 year period. Use
            30.                                                       trees to frame and beautify the view.

            Shoreland trees beautify lakes and streams

            Trees and shoreland vegetation:

               bind the soil and prevent erosion
               reduce the wind chill off the water            Too many folks don't realize that building
               enhance property values                        and cutting trees too close to the water
               cool your home in summer                       spoils the beauty of Maine's lakes and
               reduce pollution by using nutrients            streams.

                                                                                         _W_,?
                                                                                        %IW a

                           . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-

                                                                                                         . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                                                                            The Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="16" />

                 Set your house or cabin back from the water

                 In general, shoreland regulations require           These measures help prevent polluted water
                 that most structures be set back at least 75        from flowing directly into lakes, streams and
                 feet from the high water mark of ponds,             the sea and help to maintain the scenic
                 lakes, streams, and the ocean. Sewage               beauty of Maine's waterways and coast.
                 disposal beds must be    set back 100 feet.
                                                          4 LPA4 100                          H+watw wtcw@
                                                                  4 @10A
                      sewa-0                                              75 &amp;d
                                                           t/

                                                                                                 Pona, 66,
                                                                                                 s6zwn *We*- or

                 Do not build on coastal sand dunes

                 Dunes are moving barriers that buffer the           Note
                 land against the strength of the sea; they re-      For more information on shoreland develop-
                 spond to wave action; they act as effective         ment:
                 sea walls and supply sand to naturally              If your land is in an organized area refer to
                 eroded beaches. Buildings in dune areas             Section 2 pages 14 and 18; for land located in
                 temporarily halt these natural processes,           L.U.R.C.'s area see Section 3 pages 25 &amp; 30.
                 Wave action will eventually undermine and
                 destroy structures located on dunes.

                                    -Z
                            all "c-IR"Uff

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            14 The Land Use Handbook -Section 5
<pb n="17" />

        Your home and the land
         How to place a mobile home

             Ideas for mobile home owners

             Like conventional home owners, mobile                  pages provide advice on selecting a good
             home owners can add to the value of their in-          home site. The following notes present fur-
             vestment by planning, on paper first, where            ther ideas for mobile home owners.
             to place the home on the lot. The preceding

             Placing the mobile home

             Place your mobile home so that:

             * you select the best site for it, instead of             you minimize highway noise and gain
               the site where it is easiest to haul the                some privacy by:
               home. You can make the most of your lot's
               assets by carefully maneuvering the home                -keeping trees and shrubs along the
               between trees or other features.                          road
             * it fits parallel to the contours of the land            -setting the home well back from the
                                                                         road

                you allow space for storage, parking, a                -putting the home at an angle (or at right
                lawn, and other outdoor needs                            angles) to the road-@-

                                                                                                            4

                @,O@ AMU

                                                   d
                   Y"I W-14P.,
        Fldea@

        FPlacii

                                                             Z@'     -0
                                                        -.mow. V'];@

                                                                              The Land Use H andbook- Section 5           15
<pb n="18" />

                Install a skirting around the mobile home
                A strong, permanent "skirt" around the
                home:
                * cuts down heating bills
                * provides storage space
                * improves the appearance and
                * lessens wind "lift."
                Treated wood, concrete blocks, or painted
                sheets of metal or asbestos on a framework,
             111@ make good ski rts.

                Provide a f irm, f rost-f ree f oundation

                Three to four feet of well-drained and com-
                pacted gravel forms a good base for the
                home supports. Pole, slab, block, or concrete
                strip supports should be placed in or on top
                of the gravel.
                A drain pipe which drains water away from
                the gravel base will prevent frost heaves.

                Consider these design features:

                Excavation and the planting of dense shrubs
                around the home help reduce the amount of
                wall exposed to cold winds.
                A sloping roof built over a flat roof sheds
                snow, thereby reducing snow loads. This
                second roof increases the insulation value of
                your home.
                A home that is protected from the wind will
                cost less to heat.

                Select a style that fits into the landscape

                Modern mobile homes look best when they                               VAI
                are styled to look like traditional New                    A@
                England houses with white clapboards and
                dark sloping roofs, or when they use natural
                looking colors.
           F
                  ons

                    v@@
                Exca   1@

            16 The Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="19" />

        Your home and the land
         LQP%ndscaP'Png

             Design with nature
             The natural landscape of your land may offer
             many features you can use to enhance your
             surroundings. For example:

             * if the ground slopes, adapt your design to
               fit the slope; do not bulldoze your land flat                           Y4 N@W@)m'
               or bring in yards and yards of fill;                           @A@*V @.4-MhJ

             * if there are old stone walls, rock  ledges or
               boulders on the land, incorporate them in-
               to your design;
             * if there are nice trees on the land, work                                                       04kroA
               around them and only clear what you must
               for construction purposes; you can cut or
               prune later if you wish; do not fill around
               trees, it can kill them;

             * if you want to retain a natural, rural
               feeling, use shrubs, vines, ground covers
               and grasses that are found in the area and
               keep lawn areas to a minimum.

             * to prevent erosion, seed areas where
               construction has removed vegetation.

                                                               A
                                                                             The Land Use H andbook- Section 5         17
<pb n="20" />

                Design to fit in with the existing environment

                If you want your home to blend in with the             If you want your home to blend in with tradi-
                natural wooded environment of a lakeshore              tional house styles, consider:
                or mountain side, use:

                *  natural materials such as wood, stone,              *  selecting colors and materials that match
                   and brick;                                             those used on nearby houses.

                *  natural looking paints, stains and finishes;        0  designing your home so it looks similar to
                   and                                                    nearby homes. (Remember the traditional
                                                                          New England house has white painted
                *  dark colored roofing materials, such as                clapboard or shingles, a dark roof with a
                   dark brown, dark green, grey or black.                 steep (35 to 45 degree) pitch and upright,
                                                                          rectangular windows positioned in a
                                                                          pleasing, simple pattern.)

                                                                                                %

                                                                                    4

                                                            _4
                                                          4

                                        -71     42                            1
                                          C1   . A                                     "', -?:
                                  -, Ai
                                                                               4,0.
                                                                                                             pit.

                                                                             IV.

                                                                               7

                                            rk                                                         .0
                                                                   LO
                                                                           C17        --v
             18     The Land Use Handbook- Section 5
<pb n="21" />

       F
            Plant according to a plan

            Planting trees, shrubs, lawns and ground             plan on paper first, considering what pur-
            cover around your home makes it more at-             poses the planting serves and how different
            tractive. However, if you plant according to a       plantings can be combined to create natural
            plan the plant materials you use can serve           "walls" and "carpets."
            other important functions as well. Carefully

             Shrubs and berry bushes          Lawn reduces the chance          Hardwood trees provide
             attract wildlife,    provide     of erosion. Keep the     area    cool summer shade.
             food, shelter and    nesting     around the septic        field
             areas and furnish a nice         clear of trees.                         Hedge or screen hides gar-
             view of the edge of the                                                  bage cans from view.
             woods.
                                                                                      Cleared grass area for
                                                                                       minimum maintenance; al-
                                                                                       lowslull sun on garden.

                                                                                                 Garden on south
                                                                                                    side and near
                                                                                                            kitchen.

                                                                        . A@

             Conifer trees to the north
             block cold winter winds,
             help hide overhead utility
             lines from view, and block
             drifting snow.
                        Shrubs and ground cover               Flower beds welcome visi-
                        separate front and back               tors and border the entry
                        yard and reduce erosion on            path.
                        slopes,                                                    Shrubs and trees help
                               Low evergreen shrubs act                            screen traffic from view
                               as a snow fence and help                            and reduce noise.
                               keep the driveway clear.
            Plant

                                                                          The Land Use H a ndbook- Section 5
<pb n="22" />

           Your home and the land
           Driveways

               Before you build a driveway

               Driveways should be located, designed and          tained, from the appropriate Maine Depart-
               constructed so that they are safe, main-           ment of Transportation Division Office. In
               tenance free, easy to plow, convenient and         some towns driveways entering a town road
               attractive. Driveways on State or State-aid        also require a permit, so check with your
               highways should not be built until the loca-       local officials.
               tion has been approved, and a permit ob-

               The driveway location

                                                                       Y, vv@ _V1-_ I

               Locate the driveway entrance so that it:
               * allows you to stop and start to enter the
                  main road easily, especially in icy condi-
                  tions
               * allows you to see approaching traffic
                  easily
               * is at least 1100feetfrorn an intersection
               * is located on well-drained soils
               * is not on asteep slope.

                                                                                  1P,
               Driveway design

               Design the driveway so that:

               * it is well drained and does not act as a
                  drainage channel

               * culverts, if needed, are large enough to
                  handle spring-time water volumes                     iOft'

               * it meets the main road at about a 90
                  degree angle
               * there is space to park cars, turn around@
                  and store snow

               * it is not in the center of the view from the
                  house

               * you avoid cutting large attractive trees.

           20 T*he Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="23" />

        F
            Driveway construction
            Construct the driveway so that:                      cims w4m " d#im@

            * it is at least 10feetwide
            * top soil is removed before at least a 12                            IE    lz@e&amp;
              inch gravel base is provided,                                          lz"3mwt@            WA
            0 the surface is gently sloped to allow runoff
              into side ditches

            0 the grade is no more than about 7% (seven
              foot rise in 100 feet)

            0 areas where vegetation is removed, such
              as in ditches, are seeded
                                                                    12 wAts
            0 culverts are at least 12 inches in diameter
              and 20 feet long. (if a State driveway per-
              mit is required, the Department of Trans-
              portation will determine the culvert size
              the owner must purchase. The Department
              will install the culvert at no charge.)

            Driveway length in rural areas

            If you live in the country, help maintain the        and safety for your children. On longer
            feeling of open space by setting your home           driveways consider curving the driveway to
            well back from the road. The extra driveway          fit with the land and avoid a straight view to
            plowing this may involve is off-set by the fact      the house from the highway.
            that you will have privacy, a larger front yard

                        p@
                j,         00W
                                      W7,
                                                 V

                                                                                V,
                                                   4
                             K       EW        5-
                 Ss
                                                        'A"
                                                                           r 77
                       41
                        Vt                 4
             0            TW, V 1!1", @3, @, X
                                    V,
                                                         Z
                                          "N"
              rivei

        FDrivel

                                                                     5"Ma",

                                                                            The Land Use H andbook- Section 5        44
<pb n="24" />

           Your home and the land
            Energy saving ideas

                Make your building tight
                The least expensive, yet most effective way            as possible with weather stripping and
                to minimize heat loss from your home is to             caulking. Anywhere from 30% to60% of your
                make it "tight." This means that cracks                heat loss occurs in these places, so build
                around the doors, windows, and the base-               tightly!
                ment walls are eliminated or made as small

                                                                       Let the sun shine in
                                     AW                                Gain heat during daylight hours in the fall,
                                                                       winter, and spring by facing large windows
                                                                       to the south. Minimize heat gain in summer
                                                                       by building eaves that block out this hot
                  AM                                                   summer sun, or by using hardwood trees.
                                                                       Minimize heat loss by making windows on
                                                                       north walls small and by using double or
                                                                       triple glazed windows.

                                                                       The photograph shows an energy-efficient
                                                                       house that faces south and has interior in-
                                                                       sulated shutters (see page 23). Hardwood
                                                                       trees to the south will keep out the summer
                                                                       sun.

                Use the earth,
                go underground
                Rooms that are underground or partially
                underground, are cool in summer and warm
                in winter if they are well insulated. In com-
                bination with at least 2 inches of a "Styro-
                foam" type insulation the earth acts to
                moderate daily outside temperatures. Under-
                ground structures work well provided they
                are well drained, properly waterproofed and
                adequately reinforced.
                                                                                                             77pr7-
                Foam type insulation can be bought in
                sheets or sprayed directly onto basement
                walls. A well insulated basement means
                lower fuel bills.
                Makc

                  ou nd
           @je n    t wE

          22% The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="25" />

               Increase the amount of insulation in your walls

                          Imulaf                                                                                 x

                        x4.                 When you build:
                                              Use 2" x 6"    wall studs at 24"
                                              centers and    6" of insulation
                                              (instead of 2" x 4" studs at 16"
                                              centers).

                                              Or, use 2" x 4" wall studs with
                                              insulated sheathing and 4" of in-
                                              sulation.

               Build your chimney in a central. location

               Place your chimney at a central point so that
               heat from it (and stoves), can radiate
               throughout the house.

               An uninsulated chimney on an outside wall
               loses heat to the outdoors and will have a
               bigger creosote problem.

               The more bricks or stones you use to build
               the chimney the better. They retain heat and
               release itslowly-even afterthe fire is out.

                                                                     Keep heat inside

                                                                     Heat gained through sunny windows by day
                                                                     can be trapped inside by night, with:

                                                                     0 Heavycurtains
                                                                     0 Hinged, insulated shutters (see sketch)
                                                                     0 Sliding insulated shutters or
                                                                     0 Removable insulated panels.
        Fincr

        FBuil

                                                                          The Land Use H a ndbook- Section 5       23
<pb n="26" />

                   Minimize exposure to cold winds
                   Design your home so that a minimum                                                                     N
                   amount of wall surface faces into cold winter
                   winds. This can be done by:
                   0 locating a corner or sho    Irt wall toward the                                        Low Ym@ CLqt"at. Wulcl,
                      wind                                                                                 I
                   0 making a low roof which deflects the wind

                   * putting all or part of the wall below ground
                   0 placing a garage or woodshed to the north                                            FLN,5k f@my Wa&amp; @X" 3m"
                      so it acts as a buffer against the wind.

                   Build Small
                   Finally, you may choose to build small. Less                                          wom@ S@U4 acts as
                   material, less space to heat and less ex-
                   posure to the wind, means lower building,
                   heating and maintenance costs.

                                                                             Insulate everywhere

                                                                             Good insulation reduces heating bills. Your
                                                                             walls, floors, attic, crawl spaces, ceilings,
                                                                             etc. should be well insulated. The table
                                                                             below suggests R-numbers suitable for
                                                                             Maine's climate. R-numbers refer to the
                                                                             resistance different insulation has to winter
                                                                             heat loss. The higher the R the better. R-
                                                                             numbers are usually marked on insulation
                                                                             packages.

                                                                             Surface                                 R-Number

                                                                             Outside walls                            15 to 25
                                                                             Basementwalls                            10 to 15
                                                                             Concrete floor slab                      10 to 15
                                                                             Floor (over basement)                    10
                                                                             Attic floors                             30 to 38
                                                                             Roof (if attic is heated)                30 to 38

                     The Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="27" />

          A story
          T  he House That Jack Built

             This is the house that Jack built.
             This is the Board
             That gave the permit
             That allowed the house that Jack built.

             This is the evaluator,
             That checked the soils
             That satisfied the Board
             That gave the permit
             That allowed the house that Jack built.

             This is the inspector,
             That okay'd the plumbing
             That was done by the evaluator
             That checked the soi Is
             That satisfied the Board
             That gave the permit
             That allowed the house that Jack built.

             This is the official,
             That signed the form
             That pleased the inspector
             That okay'd the plumbing
             That was done by the evaluator
             That checked the soils
             That satisfied the Board
             That gave the permit
             That allowed the house that Jack built.

             This is Jack.
             He's confused,
             But he has a:
             Zoning Permit,
             Soils Test,
             Plumbing Permit and
             Building Permit,
             And he can now build his house!
             T hIsis th
             T hIs is th
                     v@
         T Fha t !(
                  .ja

                                                                             The Land Use Handbook -Section 5          25
<pb n="28" />

           Subdividing your land
           What is a subdivision?

                Subdivisions must meet State requirements

                    In Maine, a subdivision is broadly defined as       Augusta, Maine, 04333 and ask for a Subdivi-
                    the division of a parcel of land into 3 or more     sion Permit Application. See also Section 31
                    lots (each of which is less than 40 acres in        page 17.
                    size) within any 5-year period.
                                                                        If you plan to subdivide land located in an
                    All subdivision plans require local and/or          organized town contact the local officials or
                    state approval, depending on the location           planning board and find out how to apply for
                    and size of the subdivision.                        a permit. Other helpful information can be
                                                                        found in Section 2 of this Handbook
                    If you plan to subdivide land located in an         especially pages 5 and 21.
                    unorganized area, contact the Maine Land
                    Use Regulation Commission, State House,

                Before you subdivide

                    Before you subdivide land be sure you have          Most of these people are familiar with work-
                    all the information you need to proceed. This       ing with planning boards or State agencies
                    might include: a legal description of the land;     as wel I.
                    a boundary survey; a topographical map;
                    copies of zoning and other regulations; an          Review the ideas on the following pages;
                    aerial photo; a knowledge of available              they are designed to assist you in planning a
                    utilities and services; data on market condi-       small subdivision of no more than 10 lots.
                    tions; etc.
                                                                        Note: More information on subdividing is
                    Consider retaining      professional      help.     available in the L.U.R.C. publication, "Sub-
                    Surveyors, engineers, and land planners can         dividing in the Wildiands of Maine." See the
                    assist you and help assure a quality subdivi-       address above.
                    sion that meets regulations and brings in a
           FSubt

                    reasonable return on your investment.

           26 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="29" />

          Subdividing your land
          Planning a subdivision

              Factors to consider

                If you are planning to subdivide land, take           1. Regulations
                the following factors into consideration:               State and/or local laws, ordinances and
                1. Regulations which apply to your land                 regulations often dictate what uses are
                2. The type of development you want                     allowed on the land. They also can establish
                3. The character of the land you wish to                what lot sizes, building set back re-
                  subdivide                                             quirements, and standards you must con-
                                                                        form to when laying out the subdivision. To
                A successful subdivision plan must meet                 find out what applies in your situation check
                regulatory requirements, be designed to                 with the appropriate agencies and/or           of-
                meet market demand and fit into the land-               ficials suggested on page 26.
                scape.

              2. The type of development                              3. The character of the land
                 Your knowledge of the area (or the expert ad-          The existing characteristics of the land you
                 vice of a marketing consultant or realtor), will       plan to subdivide should help dictate how it
                 help you decide what type of subdivision is            is planned. Analyze the land's good and bad
                 best for the land. Ask yourself: What will sell        features to make the best possible use of ex-
                 best? Will small lots for seasonal homes sell          isting soils, slopes, views, vegetation and
                 better than a few large lots? What can you af-         other features. Pages 28 and 29 show you
                 ford to invest in improvements to the land to          one method of analyzing the land.
                 make it more attractive? What will fit the
                 character of the land and the neighborhood?
         FFactc

   10

                                                                             The Land Use H andbook- Section 5          27
<pb n="30" />

           Subdividing your land
           Know'5ng the @and

                Careful analysis of the land can help assure a good lot lay out

                Make a map of the slopes, soils, vegetation,       sent problems in another color. (See the ex-
                and other site features. Use one color to          amples below.) If possible, use tracing paper
                show those features and areas that repre-          for your mapping. Make the drawings as
                sent opportunities. Mark areas that will pre-      large as possible.

                Putting it all together                                                 -------- ---
                                                                                    C6MP051TE7 MAP-
                The tracing paper maps described below             HOW to
                record what features are on your land and in-      M94 ct,
                                                                                    SLOPE MAP-
                dicate both problem areas and opportunities.       COW    A
                                                                      TOM
                By putting all the maps together, on top of                         SOILS _-MAP"-
                each other, and holding them up to a good
                light source you can produce a composite                             VEGETAI.ION-MAP
                map. Such a map summarizes all the char-                                           - - --,=;
                acteristics, good and bad, of the land. Use                         sirc FEA .. rupEs MAP-
                this map to help lay out the final lot plan or
                havea professional make the mapsforyou.                       q4A 55 (TkwtsLw,^t)

                                                                                 7 77
                The slope map
                Make a contour map that shows the eleva-
                tions of the land and color in all areas that
                slope steeply (more than 15%, or 15 feet in
                100 feet). U.S. Geological Survey maps will                                                   11?7_- N 7/7.
                provide you with contour information. Such                    M
                areas are usually inappropriate for building
                orfordisposing of sewage. Note also:

                * south facing slopes (they are often the
                  best building sites)
                * natural drainage channels (avoid building                       POND
                  there)
                * f lat areas subject to f looding and
                * locations that have good views.
                                                                                        P_
                                                                                          E_M
                                                                                            A
                                                                                              P
           rCaref                                                                                                   @u ti

                                                                              q5 5 ACT-a,,

           28      The Land Use Handbook-Section 5
<pb n="31" />

             The soils map

             Have a licensed Soils Evaluator assist you in
             drawing a soils map that shows:

             * soils that are unsuitable for building upon
               or using for sewage disposal                               H

             * soils that are good for sewage disposal
               and
             * areas where bedrock may prevent                                                      Hh
               basement, trench or similar construction.

             The vegetation map
             Use an aerial photograph to determine exact-
             ly where different vegetation      types are
             located on the land (or use an       up-to-date
             U.S.G.S. map). Draw: stands of       hardwood
             trees, stands of softwood trees,   fields, and
             wetland vegetation.
             When you lay out lots use the tree and open
             space features of the land to advantage.                                             COO 0         -
                                                                                                           n p
             The diagram at the top of page 31 shows how                                      0            -  -
                                                                                                         0   .0
                                                                                               00,
             to relate lot lines to vegetation and other
             features.
                                                                                                             0
             If you plan to subdivide woodland property
             try to identify the best tree groups and                         1h  A.
             p
              reserve them.                                                      A,

             Site features map                                                      %5

             Make a final map of your land that shows
             otherfeatures. For example draw in:

             e stonewalls
             0 streams and/or springs
             0 shorefront features                                                                 WA
               rock outcrops
               existing   buildings    and     neighboring
               buildings.
             When you lay out the     lots emphasize the
             good features and avoid creating lots that
             f ace u g ly f eatu res.
             Place a major feature in a common area so
             all lot owners may enjoy it.                                       ......
                                                                                       R
                                                                           The Land Use H andbook- Section 5 29
<pb n="32" />

             Subdividing your land
              Laying out lots

                  Good design can reduce costs and increase value
                  Every lot in a well-designed subdivision plan                    suitable for building. Use the results of your
                  should be attractive and should contain                          land analyses. (See pages 28 and 29). Be cer-
                  marketable features. Good design can                             tain that you meet all regulatory require-
                  reduce lot improvement costs, improve lot                        ments. Tailor each lot to fit the land and the
                  values, and result in a cost-effective subdivi-                  market. The following notes provide further
                  sion.                                                            ideas on how to lay out lots.
                  Make sure that your plot plan provides lots
                  that contain reasonable slopes and soil

                  Laying out lots

                  Size the lots so that they at least meet ap-
                  plicable regulatory requirements. Find out if
                  local zoning or subdivision codes establish                                                                     MOW.
                  minimum lot size and minimum frontage re-                                                       Tmman@ o(okm = nuut,
                  quirements. If your land is in an unorganized                                                                     tmc@.
                  area check with the L.U.R.C. staff in Augusta
                  to find out what minimums apply.

                  Once you have established the range of lot                           1     2
                                                                                                                          ro i   71    8
                  sizes that you feel will sell best, lay out the
                  lots. Try different plans before you decide                      M
                  which is best. Furthermore:
                  *  avoid monotonous, repetitive lots that                        L.-sL
                     have no individuality
                  *  if you plan to build roads, establish a                       Af W
                     sensible road plan before you determine
                     the final lot locations
                                                                                   ------------                   MIM, WtW i
                  *  let the natural landscape, or new planting,                   i                       4  1   Fewr*-JlA1VC6 M nl4wv
                     "break-up" the site so that each lot is
                     private                                                                                      Trm k4 6tak_ Vf

                  *  avoid long, narrow spaghetti-like" lots
                     where the back yard is so narrow that it is                                                     7 i      8  T     9 1
                     useless

                  *  avoid creating numerous driveways off
                     well-travelled main roads and
                  *  visualize how storm water will flow over                      L---------- i -L -- ----------                ------ 11
                     the land and then make sure each lot is
                     well drained.
             F
                     00
                  Every I@

              30 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="33" />

                 Lot lines
                                                                                        Poor: id

                                                                            _F_-        T-_
                   Before you finalize the plot plan be sure the
                   lot lines coincide with site features. Do not                                     0
                   simply cut the site up into rectangular lots
                   with no regard for trees, walls, streams, ridge                                      5t5)@ waAk,
                   I i nes, etc.                                        kz@

                   For example, in the top sketch at right, the         I
                   rigid 200 foot frontage dimensions make lots
                   3 and 6 difficult to build on. In the bottom ex-                      &amp;Aer     Lot      Go 14S&amp;A
                   ample, changing the lot lines slightly makes                                             R&amp;4W"
                   lots 3, 6 and 7 more attractive, better to build
                   on, and therefore worth more.                                             T

                                                                                                        C@ wait,
                                                                                           4!                          7
                                                                                 L  -------- L------   -------

                 Test the lots

                 Consider what lot       size will sell best.
                 Visualize a house, driveway, waste disposal
                 system and well on each lot. Recognize that
                 L.U.R.C., local 'regulations, and Plumbing
                 Code regulations will dictate the distance
                 some of these are set apart. Once you have a
                 rough plot plan and an idea of what the                                                           .4
                 dimensions of each lot will be, test each lot,
                 by drawing a house, well, and waste disposal                                            jVM WA I
                 system on each lot. You should be able to                                                   SWWA&amp;
                 locate a house, well, and waste disposal
                 system, on each lot, so that:

                 0 the waste system is downhill from the
                   house and I ies on suitable soi Is

                 0 the house and waste system are set back
                   the required distances from the property
                   linesand

                 0 all waste systems are at least 100 feet
                   away from all existing or planned wells.
                   (Draw a 100 foot radius circle around all
                   wells. No waste disposal system should
                   be located within any circle.)                                                                 71
                 Lot

                                                                              The Land Use H andbook- Section 5          31
<pb n="34" />

            Subdividing your land
            Subdividing shoreland property

                 Shoreland subdivision
                  requires careful planning

                    The subdivision of shoreland property on
                    lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, or the coast re-
                    quires forethought and careful planning.
                    Some important subdivision planning con-
                    siderations are described on pages 26
                    through 31. Shoreland subdivisions involve
                    some special considerations. For example,
                    special shoreland zoning regulations ap I
                                                                 P'y
                    in these areas and access to the water is an                                                   .8
                    important consideration.                                                                                lilt

                  Shoreland zoning

                    Special shoreland zoning regulations apply
                    within 250 feet of the shoreline of most
                    streams, lakes and the coast. Check these
                    requirements by referring to Section 2 page
                    18, if your land is in an organized town, or
                    Section 3 pages 25 and 30 if your land is
                    within an unorganized area.

                                                              24 1,
                                            22       23
                                                                        Access to the shore

                                                   C                      Shoreland property owners want access to
                                                        20?               the water for swimming, boating and fishing.
                                                                          Docks, ramps and clearings on each shore-
                                                                          front lot can detract from the natural, scenic
                                                            10            character of the shoreline, and are an ex-
                                                                          pense to each land owner. One inexpensive
                                            SON  12                       and effective solution to this problem is to
                                                                          provide one central beach, dock and ramp
                                                                          area that is common to all owners in your
                                                                          subdivision. Such an area can add to the
                                                                          value of your subdivision while maintaining
           FShoi

                                                                          the natural character of most of the
                                                                          shoreline.

           32 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="35" />

               Three ways to subdivide shoreland

                1. The traditional approach
                  In this example the 4 shore-
                  front lots enjoy direct access
                  to the water. The back lots do
                  not.  The    shorefront    lots                  - -------- ---------
                  should sell at a good price;
                  the back lots will not.

               2. The conservative alternative
                  In this example the lots
                  nearest the water are set back                       @2       A
                  to provide common ground
                  for foot paths, a dock, and
                  boat launching area. The                                                       31
                  value of the shorefront lots
                  will remain high. The value of
                  the back lots will increase
                  because the owners have ac-
                  cess to the lake.                                           ... ....... ...
                                                                                     Dmk                  4

               3. The cluster alternative
                  Here two "clusters" of vaca-
                  tion camps form a village-like
                  group. Sewage is handled by
                  a central or packaged system
                  and camp owners share trails,
                  beach, boat, dock and ramp.
                                                                           12@
                  The natural character of the
                  landscape is retained and all
                  8 owners enjoy the benefit of
                  shorefront lots.

                                                                         The Land Use Handbook-Section 5 33
<pb n="36" />

                 A Story@ Priscilla Subdivides

                 Priscilla Dumont decided to subdivide the               them some years back, but he had changed
                 shoreland property that had been in the fami-           his mind since.
                 ly for years. The income from the sale of four
                 lots would assure her a steady income now               As George saw it, the regulations helped
                 that she had retired. Priscilla hoped to get a          assure quality development, they would pro-
                 good price for the land and had old George              vide Prisci Ila with the assurance that her pro-
                 Brown, the local realtor, stop by one day to            perty would be developed correctly and they
                 discuss prices.                                         would help him get a good price for her lots.

                 It was George who made Priscilla aware of               Priscilla still lives down the road from the
                 the regulations that apply to subdivisions              subdivided land. She has made friends with
                 and shorefront property development. He ex-             her new neighbors and enjoys driving by the
                 plained that he himself had seen the regula-            property. Both she and her new found friends
                 tions as a nuisance when the town adopted               are well satisfied.

           34 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="37" />

   *Surface mining your land

              Surface mining for sand, gravel, loam and clay

              Surface mining alters the land and can result         To find out what State regulations might ap-
              in erosion problems, muddy sediment-laden             ply to your situation contact the Department
              streams, visual pollution and safety hazards.         of Environmental Protection, State House,
              These problems can be minimized however,              Augusta, Maine, 04333. If your land is in an
              by:                                                   unorganized area, contact the Land Use
                                                                    Regulation    Commission, State         House,
              * careful planning before mining begins               Augusta, Maine, 04333. See also Section 3 of
                                                                    this Handbook, page 37.
              * extracting the material safely, according
                to a plan

              * reclamation and

              * meeting     applicable     regulations     or
                standards.

           Plan before operations begin

          e Allow space for a screen of           Locate the access road so             Locate the pit access road
              trees so that the pit is hidden     that there is no direct view          where trucks can enter and
              from view and set back   from       from the main road into the           exit safely.
              anyroad.                            pit.

                                                                                      Set aside an area where
                                                                                      topsoil can be stock-piled.

                                                                                     When clearing a     pit site of
                                                                                     trees, sell the stumpage.

                          @Yw-' E                                                 Regulations may require that
                                                                     50
                            Nk                                                    the pit be set back a certain
                                                                                  distance from any body of
                                                                                  water. Find out about any such
                                                                                  set  back requirements and
                                                                                  determine     what     measures
                                                                                  should be taken to prevent pit
        FS U rf

                                                                                                            A '4
        rPlan t

                                                                                  run-off from entering the water.

                                                                           The Land Use H andbook- Section 5        35
<pb n="38" />

          Surface mining your land
           Extrcactin$j borrow matermials
          F
             Provide a "screen" around the pit
                                    I-E    amm Cf rtm
                            DO IM swf Wtt, 5LW@"
                            64@OV4

                  Ova

           AREA TO zE ExcAvATE:D                                             WtW
                                                                                          R11

             Do not excavate close to a property line
                                           141-- PM" U",
                                                                  W a,@@
                                                             V f@y ,eCze,@,6F fy @sawt
                                                               @@Zj    so uw@am d"-5
                                                                  CL  r@,161M pmr-@

                                                                                           4 5
                                                                           (Oytt VC*UXa 0M, @WK5MtAL)
                                                                               E?@CAVATED AREA

             Prevent erosion and avoid accidents

                                     Do not work, vew@ @m
                                     0Y 0VCV6X%qt. CIO nd Gemre
                                           6, -11@k 06,7@@!            Use, hCM 60k.5 MA C" &amp;M-, -
                                     ovull&amp;@                                   Cn @00,w, C6@ a jukAm5.

                                                                                            auow

                                                         6o.W tb c" lc@-Grv     ro     Ma
                OVIC

          FDo nc

          36 The Land Use H andbook- Section 5
<pb n="39" />

         Surface mining your land
         Reclaiming a borrow pit

           Reasons for reclaiming a pit

           There are good reasons for reclaiming a bor-
           row pit when operations are complete:

           * a reclaimed pit can be used for development
              (see photo), or recreation or reforestation

           * a reclaimed pit will not usually collect junk

           * a restored pit helps protect ground water
              supplies because the new vegetation acts to
              filterand purify surface water.                                   - - - - --------

            Reclamation prevents erosion                                            6L@w                             @y
                                                                                                      yuew Or V1,0M.)

                                           nWaid tb 2-:
                                           CW k*6
                                                                                               Ck
                                                    QM&amp; bM0W Motr@ to
                                                                                                             edo
                                                             av@@, of ytpre, cy 65

                                                                                              ----------

             Lime, seed and fertilize
                                                          _^VA_
                                      saik avey bmTow     OLk@
                                                                r0l)
                                                                           sac[
                                                                          I oi@@ t@
                                                                                                       k       ve
        FReaso

                                                                            The Land Use H andbook- Section 5 37
<pb n="40" />

            Sign design ideas

                                                                        On-premise signs

                                        ..............
                                                                        Well-designed signs are good for your
                                                                        business. The following information will help
                                                                        you design an effective "on-premise" sign.
                                                                        On-premise signs are signs placed on prop-
                                                                        erty or on structures where the advertised ar-
                                                                        ticle, service or information is available. On-
                                                                        premise signs are subject to regulation in
                                   HOMEMADE                             the unorganized towns and some municipal-
                                                                        ities. If you plan to erect an on-premise sign
                                                                        in an unorganized area, write or call the Land
                                                                        Use  Regulation Commission, State House,
                                                                        Augusta, Maine, 04333; telephone: (207)
                                                                        289-2631. Elsewhere check with your local of-
                                                                        ficials.

                                                                        Off-premise signs, which are signs located
                                                                        away from the property, business, or point of
                                                                        interest they are advertising, are not dis-
                                                                        cussed here. Off-premise signs are subject
                                                                        to Maine's "billboard" law. For more in-
                                                                        formation on this law write to the Right-of-
                                                                        Way Division, Department of Transportation,
                                                                        State House, Augusta, Maine, 04333 or call:
                                                                        207-289-2616.

                                             01

                 Use a minimum of words

                 Signs that will be seen f rom a moving vehicle
                 should contain a minimum of words. The
                 average person cannot remember a lot of in-
                 formation, so make the sign clear, short and
                 to the point. Limit the number of letters you
                 use to about 30 letters. Avoid usi,ng a lot of
                 colors. Limit the color scheme to two con-
                 trasting colors.
                                   PIES

           38 The Land Use H a ndbook- Section 5
<pb n="41" />

         Sign design ideas
         How to design a good sign

                                                                                                                         AL

                                                                                       Ohl'

                                                           !-7
                                                                                         "NOR
                                                                                                      QAS
                                             Z/

                 Match the lettering size to the speed at which
                 motorists approach

                 It is generally recommended that sign letters              Average speed             Lettering size
                 relate to the average speed at which                       15 m.p.h.                    41/2 inches
                 motorists approach. Use the table        at the            30 m.p.h.                      9 inches
                 right as a guide.                                          45 m.p.h.                     13 inches
                                                                            55 m.p.h.                     17 inches

                                                                       K
                                                                              p it simple
                                                                          ee

                                     ......                            Select  a simple, geometrical shape as the
                                                                       background for your sign. Do not confuse
                            ON                                         people with complicated shapes or a lot of
                                                                        add-on" signs on different boards or panels.

                                                                       If.you illuminate the sign, select a fitting that
                               E 0&amp;                                    gives an even light. Ground flood lights are
                                                                       usually more effective than overhead lights.
             ...... ........                                           A light inside the sign itself is still more ef-
                                                                       fective.

                                                                              The Land Use Handbook-Section 5           39
<pb n="42" />

                                                                          Wall signs
                                                                          Signs on the walls of buildings should be
                                                                          carefully located so they can be seen easily.
                                                                          Wall signs should also be located so that
                                                                          they:

                                                                          * enhance the architecture of the building
               ARW

                                                                          0 are not dispersed all over the building
                                                                            wal
                                                                                Is

                          - --- - - -                                       are low enough to be seen by pedestrians
                                                                            and
            MVWE L                      aounqUE
                                                                            do not project above the roof I ine.
                                                         i5VOR, fii@
                                                                          Fewer signs will make the message clearer
                                                                          and   improve the appearance of your
                                                                          building.

                                                                          Projecting signs

                                                                 IN,      Projecting wall signs are best where traffic is
                                                                          slow moving (less than 30 m.p.h.) and where
                                                                          Me sign will catch the eye of the pedestrian.

                                                                          For good visibility all projecting wall signs
                                                                          should:
                                                                  "I Hit
                                                                            be installed at a 90 degree angle to the
                                                                            wall

                                                                            be erected so they do not project above
                                                                            second floor windowsill heights

                                                                            be separated by about 50 feet so they are
                                                                            n
                                                                                crowded and
                                                                              ot

                                                s
                                                                            have a minimum number of words and
                                                                            letters.
                                                       7               Fwall S

                                                                   LEA,

                    The Land Use H a ndbook- Section 5
<pb n="43" />

            Free-standing signs

                             ACF- FLIGH
                              SCHOOL

              A simple geometric shape for the sign will
              draw attention to it. Signs set low to the                 One well-placed, good-looking sign will
              ground attract attention. Use symbols to                   catch the eye better than a jumble of poorly
              catch the eye and keep the number of                       designed and constructed signs.
              words to a minimum.

                                                   kJl

                                                                 Skill
                                                                                              FIBREG
                                                                                               PRODUCTS
                                                                                                   LEWISTON

                                                                         Use landscaping     materials (shrubs, trees,
                                                                         earth mou nds) to f rame and d raw attention to
                                                                         the sign. Do not make the sign too high
              In rural areas your sign will attract  attention           because your costs increase and the height
              and be more pleasing to the eye if you use                 does not make the sign any easier to read.
              natural materials and/or colors for the
              signboard and the lettering.                                               slum
                                                                             The Land Use H andbook- Section 5 41
<pb n="44" />

                  More information

                  The following publications may provide                 7.  Landscape      Planning     for    Energy
                  useful design ideas or suggestions to in-                  Conservation, published by the
                  crease the energy efficiency and proper                    Environmental Design Press, P.O. Box
                  siting of your home:                                       2187, Reston, VA 22090

                   1.  Maine Housing-a newsletter                        8.  Developer's Handbook, by Allen Carroll.
                       publication of the Maine State Planning               Coastal Area Management Program,
                       Office                                                Department of Environmental
                                                                             Protection
                       available from:                                       Hartford, Connecticut

                       Technical Services Division                       9.  Homesite Planning Guide, prepared by
                       Maine State Planning Office                           Planning Aid, P.O. Box 211, Halifax,
                       State House                                           Nova Scotia.
                       Augusta, Maine 04333
                                                                         10. Cost Effective Site Planning-
                   2.  Erosion Control on Building Sites                     Single Family Development.
                                                                             Published by:
                       available from:                                       National Association of Home Builders
                                                                             15th and M Street, N.W.
                       USDA Soil Conservation Service                        Washington, D.C. 20005
                       Federal Building
                       Sewall Street                                     11. Street Graphics, by William R. Ewald,
                       Augusta, Maine 04330                                  Jr. Published by.
                                                                             American Society of Landscape
                   3.  In the Bank, or Up the Chimney?                       Architects Foundation
                       A dollar and cents guide to        energy-            1425 H Street N.W.
                       saving home improvements.                             Washington, D.C. 20005

                       avai lable f or $1.70 f rom:

                       Superintendent of Documents                       The following organizations teach in-
                       U.S. Government Printing Office                   dividuals how to build their own energy effi-
                       Washington, D.C. 20402.                           cient homes. Cal I or write to:
                       Stock number 023-000-00297-3
                                                                         1. The Shelter Institute
                   4.  Insulating the Old House, c. 1977 by                38 Center Street
                       Greater Portland Landmarks, Inc.,                   Bath, Maine 04530
                       165 State Street,                                   Tel: 207-443-9084
                       Portland, Maine
                                                                         2. Cornerstones
                   5.  30 Energy Efficient Houses You Can                  Wing School of Shelter Technology
                       Build, by Alex Wade and Neal Ewen-                  54 Cumberland Street
                       stein. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Penn-                  Brunswick, Maine 04011
                       sylvania                                            Tel: (207) 729-0540

                   6.  Site Planning, by Kevin Lynch. M.I.T.
                       Press, Cambridge, Mass.

            A
           14Z      The Land Use H a ndbook- Section 5
<pb n="45" />

              The following agencies can provide assist-             3. Your    local    library    may     contain
              ance relating to energy efficiency for homes.             publications on design ideas and energy
                                                                        efficiency for homes.
              1. Residential Energy Audit Program
                 Office of Energy Resources                          4. Contact    an   architect,   engineer,     or
                 55 Capitol Street                                      landscape architect in your area. These
                 Augusta, Maine 04333                                   professionals deal with problems of site
                                                                        planning design and energy efficiency of
              2. Maine Audubon Society                                  homes, and may be able to assist you.
                 118 Old Route 1
                 Gilsland Farm                                       5. National Solar Heating and Cooling
                 Falmouth, Maine 04105                                  Information Center
                 Tel: 207-781-2330                                      Box 1607
                                                                        Rockville, Maryland 20850
              3. Home Builders Association of Maine
                 187 State Street                                       cal I tol I free: 1-800-523-2929
                 Augusta, Maine 04330
                 Te 1: 207-622-4990

              Other sources of information

              1. The Northeast Carry Library has many
                 useful publications dealing with design
                 ideas and energy efficiency for homes. For
                 information call or write to:
                 Northeast Carry
                 110 Water Street
                 Hallowell, Maine 04347
                 Tel: (207) 623-1667

              2. The University of Maine campus nearest
                 you may be able to provide information on
                 publications and courses dealing with
                 home design and energy efficiency.

                                                                            The Land Use Handbook-Section 5 43
<pb n="46" />

                                                              Acknowledge me nts

                                                              Author: Brian Kent
                                                              Illustrations: Jane Frost
                                                              Research &amp; drafting: Robert Scribner
                                                              Diagrams: Brian Kent
                                                              Book design: Brian Kent and Jane Frost
                                                              Typing: Sue Allen ,
                                                              Secretary: Priscilla Daiute

                                                              The Handbook was produced with guidance
                                                              from Nancy Ross, Director of Planning and
                                                              Program Services, Department of Conserva-
                                                              tion; Kenneth G. Stratton, Director of the
                                                              Land Use Regulation Commission; and Rich-
                                                              ard E. Barringer, Commissioner, Department
                                                              of Conservation. Many persons in the Depart-
                                                              ment of Conservation, in other State agen-
                                                              cies and in public and private organizations
                                                              assisted by reviewing parts of the Handbook.
                                                              The Land Use Regulation Commission and
                                                              staff were particularly helpful with sugges-
                                                              tions and technical advice.

                                                              We thank them all.

                                                              Photograph Credits

                                                              Brian Kent
                                                                Cover photograph and photos on pages 1,
                                                                10, 13, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22 (bottom photo), 24,
                                                                35, 37, 40, 41,5.
                                                              Robert Cummings
                                                                Photograph on page 14.
                                                              Down East Housing Improvement Corpora-
                                                              tion, Brunswick, Maine. Photograph on page
                                                                22 (top photo).
                                                              Acl
<pb n="47" />

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