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MaineLD 128132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act to Support Permitting of Certain Multifamily Housing Developments Under the Site Location of Development Laws

Sponsored By: Teresa S. Pierce (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

LAND USE PLANNINGLAND USE PLANNING - PERMITS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher thresholds for small multifamily lots

The law makes state site review less likely for small multifamily-style lots. When every lot is for a single detached home with up to 4 units (and may include one accessory unit), a subdivision only triggers review at 15 or more lots within 5 years and over 30 acres total. Buildings, roads, paved, and stripped or graded areas inside those lots do not count toward the 3‑acre threshold, and roads serving only those lots are excluded. Land or water inside those lots also does not count toward the 20‑acre test, and roads serving only those lots are excluded. For other projects, the usual lower thresholds still apply.

Local review only for mid-size housing

Some projects skip state site review if they are fully inside a town on the department’s annual “capacity” list and inside a designated growth area. Structures from 3 to 10 acres qualify. Subdivisions with 15 or more qualifying lots and total area from 30 to 100 acres also qualify. The department publishes the capacity list by January 1 each year and can update it. Later changes to an exempt project stay exempt if the project stays within the size limit.

Streamlined rules and permit-by-rule option

Most department rules under these development laws are treated as routine technical rules. The department can set a permit‑by‑rule option to speed approvals. Some rules adopted after January 1, 2010 under listed sections remain major substantive and keep fuller review.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Teresa S. Pierce

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 23 • No: 9

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

ACCEPT REPORT

Yes: 23 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 554

    3/9/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    3/5/2026Senate

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

    3/3/2026House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-494).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/26/2026House

  5. COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-494).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    2/24/2026Senate

  6. Taken from the table by the President Subsequently, ACCEPTANCE of the Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-494) Report PREVAILED. Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 717 Yeas 23 - Nays 9 - Excused 3 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-494) READ and ADOPTED.ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.

    2/12/2026Senate

  7. Unfinished Business

    2/10/2026Senate

  8. Report READ and ACCEPTED. On motion by Senator STEWART of Aroostook the Senate RECONSIDERED their actions whereby they ACCEPTED THE OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED Report. On motion by Same Senator Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending ACCEPTANCE of the OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-494) Report. Unfinished Business

    2/3/2026Senate

  9. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025Senate

  10. 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

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

    1/8/2025House

  12. 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

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (S-494), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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