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. 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.

A Residential Pesticide Use Ordinance webpage has been created to provide residents with information and resources to comply with the ordinance.  This page is located under the "Town Spotlight" section of the homepage.  As of June 12, 2024, Cape Elizabeth residents must comply with the Residential Pesticide Use Ordinance Amendments or receive a waiver from the Board of Zoning Appeals.