The Resource Protection Zone shall be a zone of the most vulnerable shoreland, wetlands, or other geologically sensitive areas in which development could have an undue adverse effect on water quality of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers, groundwater, significant wildlife habitats, or biological systems. Areas of freshwater wetlands regulated by state and federal rules and identified in the National Wetland Inventory as shown in "Beginning with Habitat" maps are included in the R-5, Resource Protection Zone.[1] It should be noted that any areas listed on these maps are approximate and only show potential areas of ecological significance. Before any work or development is proposed in or near a Resource Protection Zone, the areas in question must be field verified by a qualified person with knowledge to determine if these areas meet the criteria in this article. It shall include:
A. 
Freshwater wetlands and forested wetlands. Where a freshwater wetland is contiguous with the normal high-water mark of a defined pond, lake, river or stream, the wetland area shall extend from the normal high-water mark to the area of observable demarcation between a regular pattern of wetland vegetation and open water. Areas within 100 feet, horizontal distance, of the upland edge of freshwater wetland contiguous with the normal high-water mark of a defined pond, lake, river or stream are included in the R-5, Resource Protections Zone. Excluded are small and intermittent outcroppings of wetland vegetation which can be customarily found at or near the shoreline of ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams.
B. 
Significant plant, fish and wildlife habitats, natural heritage occurrences and focus areas of statewide ecological significance shown on current "Beginning with Habitat" maps or any subsequent modifications. Areas within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the upland edge of freshwater wetlands, which are shown as inland waterfowl/wading bird habitat as shown on "Beginning with Habitat" maps and shown on the Wayne Zoning Map are included in the R-5, Resource Protection Zone.
C. 
The marshes of the shoreline of Pickerel Pond, Berry Pond, Jennings Stream, the land area and marshes of the delta outlet area known as "The Cape" on Androscoggin Lake, and the land areas and marshes within 250 feet of Dead River.
D. 
Land areas which can be shown by independent and qualified authority to be particularly vulnerable to harm such as significant sand and gravel aquifers and/or primary groundwater recharge areas identified by the Maine Geological Survey, and/or shoreland areas which have a high erosion potential because of soil type or slope, and all shoreland areas of two or more contiguous acres with sustained slopes of 20% or greater.
E. 
The islands in Androscoggin Lake.
F. 
Archaeological and/or historic sites deserving of long-term protection as determined by the Planning Board after consultation with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.
[1]
Editor's Note: Habitat maps can be found on the Town website at: axisgis.com/WayneME/
[Amended 6-10-2026]
The following uses are permitted in the Resource Protection Zone:
A. 
The harvesting of any wild crop such as hay, ferns, moss, wild rice, berries, tree fruits, tree seeds, and flowers.
B. 
Nonintensive, recreational uses not requiring structures, such as hunting, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.
C. 
Wildlife management activities.
D. 
Activities conducted for protection of groundwater quality or prevention of pollution from any source, when conducted by a public agency for public health, safety, and welfare.
E. 
Clearing or removal of vegetation based on a plan by a forester licensed by the State of Maine, and in accordance with shoreland clearing or removal of vegetation standards in § 60-25C of this chapter.
F. 
Timber harvesting and related activities in accordance with Maine Forest Service, Bureau of Forestry Rules, Chapter 21, Statewide Standards for Timber Harvesting and Related Activities in Shoreland Areas, and any amendments thereto by the state from time to time,[1] which are incorporated herein by reference. The Maine Forest Service is responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of the Chapter 21 Statewide Standards for Timber Harvesting and Related Activities in Shoreland Areas.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 01-669 CMR Ch. 21.
G. 
Residential dwelling units located over aquifers (see § 60-19, Lot size, setback and spacing requirements for all zones).
[Amended 6-10-2026]
The following shall be conditional uses in the Resource Protection Zone:
A. 
One residence containing one dwelling unit and structures accessory to a residence per minimum lot on the islands in Androscoggin Lake known as "Norris Island" and "Androscoggin Island," provided that:
(1) 
Minimum lot size shall be four acres.
(2) 
Minimum shore frontage and width shall be 400 feet.
(3) 
Minimum depth shall be 300 feet.
B. 
Piers or docks across a wetland, which wetland is contiguous with the shoreline of a pond, lake, river, or stream, provided that:
(1) 
Installation shall not alter any wetland vegetation or cross a significant wildlife or fish habitat.
(2) 
Regarding piers and docks, installation meets the requirements of § 60-25.
New roads and driveways are prohibited in the Resource Protection Zone, except to provide access to permitted uses within the zone, or as approved by the Planning Board upon a finding that no reasonable alternative route or location is available outside the zone, in which case the road and/or driveway shall be set back as far as practical from the normal high-water mark of a water body, tributary stream, or upland edge of a wetland.
Tiny homes shall be permitted to be placed or erected on an individual house lot where single-family dwellings are allowed or as an accessory structure, subject to all applicable Wayne land use requirements.