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MaineLD 1143132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Update Language on Setback Variances for Single-family Dwellings

Sponsored By: James D. Libby (Republican)

Became Law

HOUSINGHOUSING - REGULATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Homeowners can seek small setback variances

Beginning June 11, 2025, towns can adopt ordinances that let zoning boards grant setback variances for a single-family home that is the owner’s primary year-round residence. Applicants must show undue hardship based on five tests: the need is due to unique property limits, it will not change the area’s character, the hardship was not self-created, it will not substantially impair abutters’ use, and there is a real need with no other feasible option. A variance cannot be more than 20% of the required setback and cannot make the home exceed the maximum lot-coverage limit. A town may allow more than 20% only with written consent from the affected abutting owner, and never for minimum wetland or shoreland setbacks.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • James D. Libby

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Nathan Wadsworth

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 263

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/5/2025Senate

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

    6/4/2025House

  4. Reports READ.On motion of Representative GERE of Kennebunkport, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-248) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-248). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/4/2025House

  5. Reports READ On motion by Senator CURRY of Waldo The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-248) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-248) Sent down for concurrence

    6/3/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/18/2025House

  8. Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    3/18/2025Senate

Bill Text

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