An Act to Allow Residential Use Development in Commercial Districts
Sponsored By: Marc Malon (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Housing allowed in commercial zones statewide
The law requires towns to allow homes in buildings in commercial zones, including empty or partly empty retail sites. Towns may deny this only if flooding or other natural hazards make a building unfit for housing. Towns may limit the number of units and require commercial use on the ground floor. They may set siting and design rules, but not ones that add unreasonable costs or delays. Towns cannot add rules that are stricter than other state housing laws, and health and safety codes still apply. A state housing office may issue routine rules to enforce this. Towns must follow these rules starting July 1, 2027. The law also repeals an older subsection that conflicted with this change.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Marc Malon
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Cassie Julia
Democratic • House
Cheryl Golek
Democratic • House
Ryan Fecteau
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 364
6/18/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/16/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/16/2025HouseReports READ On motion by Senator CURRY of Waldo The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED in concurrence READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-686) READ. 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-686) in concurrence Ordered sent down forthwith
6/13/2025SenateReports 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" (H-686) 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" (H-686). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/13/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in concurrence
3/11/2025SenateCommittee 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.
3/11/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-686), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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