Floodplain and Watershed

Floodplain Info

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published its revised floodplain maps for Androscoggin County in June of 2012 and adopted the official maps on July 8, 2013 after a lengthy public process.

Please review the official FEMA Flood Insurance Rate (FIRM) maps to access relevant information for your property. For additional information, please contact our Planning office at 207-333-6601 ext 1133 or contact Sue Baker, CFM, NFIP State Coordinator of the Maine Floodplain Management Program at 207-287-8063.

For further information, please refer to city ordinance. 

Watershed Info

Taylor Pond Watershed

The Taylor Pond Watershed Overlay District is intended to address both the present and future special circumstance of the land uses surrounding Taylor Pond. For further information, please refer to city ordinance.

Lake Auburn Watershed

The Lake Auburn Watershed Overlay District aims to protect water quality, prevent pollution, preserve wildlife habitats, and maintain the potable water supply for Auburn-Lewiston. For further information, please refer to city ordinance.

Septic System Inspection Program

To safeguard Lake Auburn, the primary public water source, the City of Auburn and the Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission (LAWPC) are launching a septic system inspection program starting in Spring 2025. This effort aligns with the updated subsurface wastewater ordinance (effective July 15, 2024) to prevent contamination from aging or malfunctioning septic systems. Regular inspections help protect public health, maintain water quality, and prevent costly failures.

The program cycles through five years, with designated areas inspected annually. The map below shows properties included in Year 1 through Year 5 which will be required to perform septic inspections.

OrdianceAdoptedInsepctionMapNEW

(Click on image to view map detail)

If a property is sold, an inspection will be required at the time of sale.

To assist homeowners, LAWPC offers financial and technical support (Information to come soon).  They will also be offering information sessions for residents interested in learning more about the program.

Inspection reports must be submitted to City of Auburn’s Planning, Permitting & Code Department.  A State-licensed Septic Inspector may perform the inspection and submit the Inspection Report (HHE-240 form).  Forms can be submitted in the following ways: Paper Copies, email copies to permits@auburnmaine.gov, or entered online with the SmartGov permitting system.

For questions about inspections and technical support, contact LAWPC at lakeauburnwater@lakeauburnwater.org 

Watershed Q&A
Who is required to have a septic system inspection under this ordinance?
All property owners within the Lake Auburn Watershed Overlay District whose buildings or dwelling units are not served by public sewer.
When do I have to have my septic system inspected?
If your property is located in “Year 1” as identified on the map, your septic inspection must be completed and submitted to the City no later than July 1, 2026. For properties located in other “Years” on the map, the City will provide notice when inspections must be completed.

Exception: Regardless of your property's location on the map, an inspection report must be provided to the City upon the sale of the property.
Who can inspect my septic system?
Inspections must be completed by a certified Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Inspector. The inspector will evaluate the system using the minimum requirements established by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental and Community Health.

For more information: Subsurface Wastewater Unit, Division of Environmental Health, Maine CDCP - Division of Environmental Health | MeCDC | Maine DHHS
How much does it cost to have my septic system inspected?
Costs may vary by inspector. Property owners are responsible for coordinating and paying for the inspection. It is recommended that you contact multiple certified inspectors for quotes.
If I had a septic inspection recently, do I have to have it inspected again?
We will accept inspection reports completed anytime in 2025, unless the property is sold. In the event of a sale, a new inspection must be conducted at that time.
What happens if my septic inspection shows that my system is failing/has failed?
The Local Plumbing Inspector will review the report to determine if corrective action is required. This review will ensure that:

For systems with a design on file with the Planning, Permitting, and Code Department, the system is functioning according to that design.

For systems without a design on file, the system is functioning as built.

If it is determined that the system is failing, a new subsurface wastewater disposal system (septic) must be installed.
Where do I submit my inspection report?

Submit completed inspection reports to the Local Plumbing Inspector at the Planning, Permitting, and Code Department. (https://ci-auburn-me.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home) or email reports to permits@auburnmaine.gov.