Published on July 24, 2024
Cape Elizabeth has taken important steps towards safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of residents and to protect the Town's waterways and natural resources with the adoption of the Residential Pesticide Use Ordinance.
The development of the "Chapter 28, Residential Pesticide Use Ordinance Amendments," adopted by the Town Council on May 13, 2024, goes into effect on June 12, 2024, The process has been marked by constructive dialogue and collaboration between the Ordinance Committee and Cape Elizabeth residents [See Pesticide Ordinance History]. The amendments amplify the framework of the successful November 7, 2023 citizen referendum which enacted the Residential Pesticide Use Ordinance.
The approved amendments to the ordinance incorporate a definitions section and a clearer structure for exemptions and exclusions. In response to public comment, a proposed "notification" provision was deleted and the 'Waiver' provision was expanded to more fully describe the waiver process, as well as an appeal for waivers.
As of June 12, 2024, residents of Cape Elizabeth must comply with the Residential Pesticide Use Ordinance Amendments or receive a waiver from the Department of Public Works. The following provides residents with information and resources to comply with the ordinance.
RESIDENTIAL PESTICIDE USE ORDINANCE (effective 6/12/2024)
APPROVED PESTICIDE LISTS:
- FIFRA Active Ingredients Eligible for Minimum Risk Pesticide Products (as of 12/2025)
- FIFRA List 4A - Minimal Risk Inert Ingredients by Chemical Name (as of 8/2004)
- OMRI Generic Materials List (as of 3/2024)*
- USDA 7 CFR Part 205 Subpart G (as of 5/23/2024)
- OMRI Products List Sorted by Company NEW
*Many pesticide products that meet the OMRI standards display the OMRI logo, making it easy for residents to identify if a product is OMRI-certified. This logo reassures residents of the product's safety and compliance with the ordinance.
If a product classification is not visible or easily determined, residents may contact Code Enforcement Officer Ben McDougal for guidance.
APPLICATION FOR A WAIVER (Fillable PDF) / APPLICATION FOR WAIVER (Download)
RESIDENTIAL PESTICIDE USE ORDINANCE FLOW CHART (PDF)
