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Planning & Codes Projects

The Scarborough Planning and Codes Department oversees various development projects throughout the Town of Scarborough. See below for a list current projects that the Planning and Codes Department is involved in:
 

Vulnerability Assessment

The Town’s Vulnerability Assessment, which was included as part of Scarborough’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget (approved in June 2023), is a crucial step in developing a comprehensive understanding of Town vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies to improve resiliency in the face of predicted environmental stressors, such as flood hazards and sea-level rise.

sunrise over marsh with fog
  • Engineering & Technical Services
  • Planning

Given the rapid growth experienced over the past 20 years, Scarborough hopes to preserve its unique seashores, salt marshes, wetlands, forests, uplands, tidal rivers, and streams. The Town is developing a Conservation Open Space Plan in order to maintain its character and ensure the future of Scarborough's landscapes and natural resources.

Short Term Rentals
  • Planning
  • Town Council

The Town of Scarborough is considering the creation of a Short Term Rental Ordinance. Scarborough is one of few neighboring communities who do not have an ordinance already, but does have a Planning & Code Enforcement Policy, "'Airbnb' Use of or Within Dwelling Units". A Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance would establish regulations and possible tracking of STRs in Scarborough. The Town Council will be holding a workshop on June 26, 2024, to continue the discussion and gain more insight into the community's needs. 

Ordinance Consolidation
  • Planning

The Planning Department is working on a long-term project that includes simplifying our existing ordinances and finding opportunities to incorporate changes where recommended with these consolidations. The overall goal is to create a more cohesive set of standards, while removing ambiguity and subjectivity in the review process. 

sunset over a saltwater marsh
  • Engineering & Technical Services
  • Planning

New proposed Environmental Standards are being drafted through the Conservation Commission.  The new standards, upon approval will be added to Chapter 405B Site Plan Standards. Learn more about what the new ordinance proposal includes.

Scarborough downs development map
  • Planning

The Downs development project began in 2018 and is located at the geographic center of Scarborough at the site of the former Scarborough Downs harness racing track. Learn about the Town of Scarborough's ongoing involvement in the 525-acre project with the developers, Crossroad Holdings.

  • Downs
  • Growth
Comprehensive Plan
  • Planning

The Comprehensive Plan is a community-wide initiative outlining a vision for the future of Scarborough. The plan analyzes existing conditions and emerging trends, illustrates a plan for future development and conservation, provides the Town with strategies for sustainability, and steps for implementation. The most recent Comprehensive Plan was completed in June 2021.

  • Environment
  • Growth
project map
  • Engineering & Technical Services

The Downs development is a proposed multi-phase redevelopment that will eventually include all the Scarborough Downs property and generate over 2,000 peak hour traffic trips. Learn more about the significant infrastructure and transportation network improvements that will be occurring in the Town of Scarborough, and beyond, associated with the development at the Downs.

  • Downs
  • Growth
  • Infrastructure
Route 1 Corridor Study
  • Planning

The purpose of this study is to make the Route 1 corridor from Downtown Saco to Pleasant Hill Road in Scarborough safe and accessible for all travel modes, including motor vehicles, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Making the corridor more accessible will stimulate economic development, reduce vehicle delay, and improve safety for all users.