Bill
Bill > LD1999
ME LD1999
ME LD1999An Act to Exclude Agricultural Leases from the Definition of "Subdivision" Under the Planning and Land Use Regulation Laws
summary
Introduced
12/03/2025
12/03/2025
In Committee
12/03/2025
12/03/2025
Crossed Over
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Passed
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill excludes from the definition of "subdivision" under the planning and land use regulation laws a lease of a tract or parcel of land or a portion of a tract or parcel of land that is used primarily for farming or ranching and that does not convey fee simple ownership or allow for the construction of permanent residential dwellings other than housing for migrant or seasonal farm workers.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Maine's land use regulations by amending the definition of "subdivision" to specifically exclude agricultural leases that meet certain criteria. Under the proposed change, a lease for land used primarily for farming or ranching will not be considered a subdivision if it does not transfer full ownership (fee simple) of the land and does not permit the construction of permanent residential buildings, with the exception of housing for migrant or seasonal farm workers. This means that farmers and ranchers can lease land for agricultural purposes without triggering subdivision regulations, which typically involve more complex land use and development approvals. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for agricultural land use by removing potential bureaucratic barriers to leasing land for farming and ranching activities. By referencing the existing definition of farming and ranching in Title 7, section 251, subsection 4, the bill ensures that the agricultural exemption is applied consistently with established state definitions.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (7)
Stacy Brenner (D)*,
Rick Bennett (I),
Russell Black (R),
Chip Curry (D),
Craig Hickman (D),
Rachel Talbot Ross (D),
Jeff Timberlake (R),
Last Action
Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. (on 03/03/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1999&snum=132 |
| Senate: C-A (S-493) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0812&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (S-493) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN199902.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0812&item=1&snum=132 |
Loading...