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MaineLD 1829132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Build Housing for Maine Families and Attract Workers to Maine Businesses by Amending the Laws Governing Housing Density

Sponsored By: Ryan Fecteau (Democratic)

Became Law

HOUSINGHOUSING - REGULATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Bigger affordable housing projects allowed

Affordable housing developments get at least 2.5 times the base housing density where multifamily is allowed. Towns cannot require more than two off‑street parking spaces for every three units. Projects may be one story or 14 feet taller than local limits, with fire official review; shoreland rules still apply. These flexibilities apply in designated growth areas or on sites with central water and sewer and must meet state minimum lot‑size rules.

Easier to build accessory dwelling units

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be inside, attached to, or detached from a home or multi‑unit building on the same lot. Towns must allow at least one ADU on any single‑family lot and in any zone that allows homes. One ADU per lot does not count toward local density limits. The owner does not have to live on the property. Fire sprinklers are not required for an ADU unless it is inside or attached to a building with more than two units.

More homes per lot and simpler approvals

Where homes are allowed, towns must permit at least three units per lot. If the lot is in a designated growth area or has central water and sewer, at least four units are allowed. In growth areas with central water and sewer, the minimum lot size cannot exceed 5,000 sq ft, and towns cannot require more than 1,250 sq ft of lot area per unit for the first four units, then 5,000 sq ft per extra unit. Outside growth areas but with central water and sewer, the minimum lot size cannot exceed 5,000 sq ft and no more than 5,000 sq ft per unit for the first two units in a single structure (not counting ADUs). Without comparable sewer, state minimum lot‑size rules apply. Towns cannot make height, setback, or other size rules for these small multi‑unit homes tougher than for single‑family homes. Planning board approval is not required for buildings with four or fewer units. After using these rules to build up to four units, more density needs local approval.

No growth caps in designated growth areas

Towns cannot use rate‑of‑growth caps to limit new homes in designated growth areas. The law also removes a prior subsection of the state growth law; local rules now follow the remaining statute.

New subdivision and site‑plan triggers

Starting January 1, 2026, splitting a building into three or more homes in towns that use site plan review counts as a subdivision and must go through site plan review. The town checks stormwater, sewage disposal, water supply, and road access. The law also raises the unit threshold for what counts as a subdivision, so fewer small projects need full subdivision review. Towns must update any conflicting local definitions by July 1, 2027.

When towns must follow new housing rules

The law applies in some towns on July 1, 2026, and in all other towns on July 1, 2027. Three changes are not delayed: the ADU sprinkler rule, the updated ADU definition, and the wastewater certificate of occupancy rule.

Faster occupancy after wastewater sign‑off

Once the local plumbing inspector gives written proof that wastewater rules are met, the town cannot require extra wastewater review or paperwork before issuing a certificate of occupancy. This saves time and cuts duplicate steps for owners and builders.

Training required for local zoning boards

Members of municipal reviewing boards and zoning appeals boards must take land use planning training within 180 days of appointment, or the next available course. Current members must also take the training within 180 days of the law’s effective date, or the next available course. Training may be offered by the state, a statewide municipal group, a regional council, or a municipality.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ryan Fecteau

    Democratic • 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 385

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/17/2025Senate

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

    6/17/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-748) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-748), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/16/2025Senate

  5. 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" (H-748).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/16/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in concurrence

    4/30/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Housing and Economic Development suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/30/2025House

Bill Text

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