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)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Bigger, taller affordable housing projects
Affordable housing in multifamily zones can use at least 2.5 times the usual unit density. Towns cannot require more than 2 off‑street parking spaces for every 3 units. Projects may exceed local height limits by at least one story or 14 feet, with fire official review. These rules apply in a designated growth area or where the site has central water and comparable sewer and must follow state minimum lot size rules. Shoreland and other state prohibitions still apply.
Easier ADUs for owners and renters
The law lets you add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on lots with a house or a multi‑unit building where homes are allowed. ADUs can be inside, attached, or detached. The first ADU on a lot does not count toward density limits. You do not have to live on the lot to build or rent an ADU. Sprinklers are not required for an ADU unless it is inside or attached to a building with more than two total units. ADUs are allowed on nonconforming lots if the ADU does not increase the nonconformity. After a local plumbing inspector verifies wastewater compliance in writing, the town cannot require extra wastewater review before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
More homes allowed on each lot
Where homes are allowed, towns must allow at least 3 units per lot. If the lot is in a growth area or has central water and sewer, at least 4 units are allowed. In growth areas with central water and sewer, the minimum lot size cannot be over 5,000 sq ft and the lot area per unit is capped at 1,250 sq ft for the first 4 units; each unit after four needs 5,000 more sq ft. Multi‑unit housing cannot face tougher height, frontage, lot area, depth, or setback rules than single‑family homes in the same area.
No growth caps in growth areas
Towns cannot use rate‑of‑growth ordinances to limit new homes in designated growth areas, unless this chapter specifically allows it. This keeps housing from being capped in the very places meant to grow.
Site plan review for 3+ units
Starting January 1, 2026, splitting or creating a building into 3 or more units must go through municipal site plan review where local rules apply. The town’s ordinance must review stormwater, sewage, water supply, and vehicle access. The municipal reviewing authority decides whether the town’s site plan rules meet these criteria.
Faster local approvals for small builds
Towns cannot require planning board approval for buildings with 4 or fewer dwelling units. For covered projects, once a local plumbing inspector confirms wastewater compliance in writing, towns cannot ask for extra wastewater review before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
Subdivision rules now start at five
A project becomes a subdivision when it creates 5 or more dwelling units within 5 years, up from 3. Towns with different definitions must comply by July 1, 2027.
Training required for local land-use boards
Members of municipal reviewing bodies and zoning appeals bodies must complete land‑use training within 180 days of appointment, or the next available session if none is offered. Current members must also complete the training within 180 days of the law’s effective date, or the next available session.
When these housing rules start locally
The law takes effect on different dates by town. Where municipal officers can enact ordinances without a town‑wide vote, rules apply starting July 1, 2026. In all other municipalities, rules apply starting July 1, 2027. Some sections are not on this schedule and take effect separately.
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
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 385
6/20/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/17/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/17/2025HouseReport 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.
6/16/2025SenateCONSENT 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.
6/16/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in concurrence
4/30/2025SenateCommittee 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
Amendment C-A (H-748), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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