According to a press release, both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted unanimously last week to approve a housing bill that was introduced by Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford).
The bill, LD 1829, is intended to make it easier to build new housing units by amending zoning requirements and providing clarity for municipalities, developers and others.
“Too often, the creation of new housing units is hampered by onerous and overly complex rules that make it too expensive, or too frustrating, for homeowners to build,” Fecteau said. “This law will cut red tape, remove government roadblocks, and empower everyday Maine people to build housing for their own families and neighbors.”
According to Fecteau, LD 1829 will reduce minimum lot sizes to no more than 5,000 square feet in designated growth areas and remove owner occupancy requirements for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to unlock financing for construction.
Fecteau said LD 1829 will “streamline municipal review for smaller housing developments; create a one-story height bonus for qualified affordable housing and require training for municipal planning board members within 180 days of their appointment.
“This is a significant step toward
__ Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford)
addressing Maine’s housing shortage.”
“Building any type of housing in Maine is extremely difficult and expensive. These costs and our home shortage are not isolated to one town or region. It is structural, systemic, and statewide,” said Laura Mitchell, executive director of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition.
“LD 1829 sets us on a better path,” Mitchell added. “Maine communities will always be able to shape their futures, but with the understanding that solving our shared housing challenge requires consistency and commitment at all levels of government.”
“This a significant step toward addressing Maine’s housing shortage,” said State Sen. Rick Bennett (R-Oxford).
Bennett said the legislation “respects local communities and strengthens individual property rights.”
“This law cuts through outdated and overly restrictive regulations that have limited the ability of Mainers to make reasonable use of their own land,” Bennett added.
“I’m proud to have supported this bipartisan legislation that will help more Maine people secure housing they can afford.”
The bill will now go to Gov. Janet Mills for her signature and final approval.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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