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ME LD1272
ME LD1272An Act to Address the Housing Crisis by Reducing Barriers to Building More Accessory Dwelling Units
summary
Introduced
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
In Committee
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/27/2025
05/27/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill allows up to 4 either single-family, duplex, triplex or accessory dwelling units on a single lot. The bill exempts only the first accessory dwelling unit on a lot from municipal housing density requirements. It prohibits a municipality from adopting an ordinance or other restriction that requires the owner of the lot to reside in one of the units on the lot. It prohibits a municipality from adopting an ordinance or other restriction that requires a fire sprinkler system to be installed in certain accessory dwelling units. It amends the definition of "subdivision" from a division of a tract or parcel of land into 3 or more lots to a division of a tract or parcel of land into 5 or more lots. It clarifies that an accessory dwelling unit that otherwise complies with applicable state and local zoning requirements must be allowed on a nonconforming lot as long as the accessory dwelling unit does not further increase the nonconformity.
AI Summary
This bill addresses the housing crisis by reducing barriers to building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Maine. It allows municipalities to permit up to 4 dwelling units on a single lot, which can include single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, or ADUs. The bill exempts only the first ADU on a lot from municipal density requirements, with subsequent units subject to those calculations. Municipalities are prohibited from requiring the property owner to live on-site and from mandating fire sprinkler systems in ADUs, particularly those within or attached to existing dwelling units. The bill also modifies the definition of "subdivision" by changing the threshold from 3 to 5 lots within a 5-year period, which will help reduce regulatory barriers to housing development. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that ADUs can be constructed on non-conforming lots as long as they do not further increase the lot's non-conformity, and allows property owners to separately sell or transfer ADUs. These changes are designed to increase housing availability and flexibility by making it easier for homeowners to add dwelling units to their properties, potentially creating more affordable housing options and enabling multigenerational living arrangements.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/27/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1272&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0847&item=1&snum=132 |
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