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MaineLD 103132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Reorganize and Simplify Certain Exceptions in the Use Regulation Law

Sponsored By: William Pluecker (Independent)

Became Law

LAND USE PLANNING COMMISSIONLAND USE PLANNING COMMISSION - LURC PLANNING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Simpler rules for small campgrounds

The law defines a "minor campground" as a simple camping area with no pressurized water and no permanent buildings, except outhouses, fireplaces, picnic tables (with or without shelters), or lean-tos. It can have up to 4 sites and up to 12 people per site, or different limits if the landowner files a recreational policy with the commission. The commission can still require a permit if that filed policy conflicts with its land use plan. If a minor campground is inside a management district, it does not need a commission permit.

No permit for county road repairs

Counties do not need a commission permit to repair or maintain county roads, bridges, or culverts. County crews must follow the commission’s standards for this work. This streamlines routine fixes and helps work move faster.

Old permit clauses repealed for clarity

The law removes one blocked paragraph in section 685‑A and three paragraphs (B, B‑1, B‑2) in section 685‑B. The rules in those paragraphs no longer apply. This helps consolidate and simplify the commission’s permitting exceptions elsewhere in the law.

Easier permits for tidal and wind pilots

Offshore wind demonstration projects approved by the state do not need a commission permit. Developers must file a notice of intent and a location map with the commission when they apply to the state. Hydropower projects that use tidal or wave action also do not need a commission permit. A project that sits partly in an organized town and partly in unorganized land does not need a commission permit either. These exemptions apply only to these project types.

Fewer permits for state‑reviewed projects

For many projects reviewed by the state environmental agency, a separate commission permit is not needed. Developers must file a notice of intent and a location map with the commission before or with the state application. The state may issue its permit only after the commission certifies the use is allowed in the subdistrict and that any commission land-use standards not reviewed by the state are met. This does not apply to planned subdistricts accepted before September 1, 2012. The commission cannot certify an expedited wind project if a related petition is pending, and it can still enforce its certified standards later.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William Pluecker

    Independent • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 11

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    3/20/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/18/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCEUnder suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED, in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    3/11/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/4/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence

    1/8/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/8/2025House

Bill Text

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