Bill > LD970

This bill amends Maine state law to create a new exemption for residential construction at existing developments that have already been permitted. Specifically, the bill allows developers to construct new dwelling units without additional environmental review if certain conditions are met: the newly disturbed ground area does not exceed 40,000 square feet in a calendar year or 80,000 square feet in total, any new multi-family housing (more than 4 families) must be connected to public water and sewer systems, the construction does not violate existing permit conditions, and does not occur in areas designated for storm water management or environmental buffers. Developers must submit an annual notification to the state department detailing the new construction, including certified development plans from a professional engineer. The bill broadly defines "dwelling unit" to include various types of residential structures like single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and time-share units. This provision aims to streamline the development process for housing while maintaining some environmental protections by limiting the scale of new construction and requiring ongoing reporting and compliance with existing permit conditions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=970&snum=132