Housing (Land Use)

This bill amends Maine's laws governing the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority, expanding its ability to acquire properties and form partnerships. It revises the definition of eligible properties to include abandoned, blighted, functionally obsolete, environmentally hazardous, and municipality-requested properties. The bill removes the requirement for the Authority to secure agreements with public entities before acquiring property, adds authority to partner with federal agencies for funding, and allows agreements with private parties (requiring municipal or Maine Land Use Planning Commission consent for property acquisition). These changes streamline the Authority's operations and broaden its partnership options for redevelopment efforts.

This bill prohibits Maine state and local governments from requiring a specific minimum number of parking spaces for new buildings or developments in building codes. It directly affects developers, property owners, and municipalities planning new construction projects. The law bans mandatory parking minimums but allows governments to recommend parking levels instead. This change applies only to new developments, land use, or building occupancy, not to existing structures.

This bill modifies Maine's zoning laws to increase housing options in larger municipalities. It requires towns with populations over 10,000 to allow up to four residential units on a single lot (instead of two) if the lot has no existing home and is in a designated growth area or has certain utility infrastructure. It also mandates that these municipalities permit accessory dwelling units (like guest houses) on single-family lots in all residential zones. The law applies only to municipalities exceeding 10,000 residents and does not restrict existing zoning rules for smaller towns.

LD 1829 creates a new Housing Development Resolution Board to review local government decisions on housing projects, such as subdivisions, site plans, and housing permits. The board must hold a hearing within 60 days of an appeal and issue a decision within 30 days, with appeals filed within 14 business days of a municipal decision. It can keep, overturn, or change local housing decisions, and choosing to use this board instead of the Superior Court waives the right to pursue the case in court. This process aims to streamline housing development by providing a centralized, time-bound appeals system for housing projects across Maine.

This bill updates Maine's growth management laws to enhance housing affordability, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. It amends key definitions - such as setting "affordable housing" at 80% of area median income - and adds new funding categories for mixed-use housing projects, bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, and public utility systems. The bill also revises program goals to prioritize affordable housing for low/moderate-income households, protect water resources, and support marine industries. These changes directly affect Maine municipalities implementing growth management plans and state agencies overseeing land use and housing policies.