Bill > LD2173

This bill updates laws concerning housing developments and accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, which are secondary housing units on a single-family lot. It clarifies that fire suppression sprinklers are not required for ADUs unless they are part of a structure with more than two dwelling units, and it specifies that ADUs are not exempt from fire protection if they are in mixed-use or non-residential buildings or if fire codes otherwise require sprinklers. The bill also defines "public sewer system" for clarity in municipal regulations and revises rules for "rate of growth ordinances," which limit the number of building permits issued in a municipality, by allowing different limits in various areas, requiring updates every three years, and setting specific requirements for growth areas, including a minimum number of permits for new residential dwellings and a prohibition on limiting affordable housing permits. Additionally, it mandates that municipalities allow increased density and height for affordable housing developments, clarifies requirements for connecting to public water and sewer systems for new housing units, and establishes exceptions for certain areas like water source watersheds and coastal zones. The bill also permits ADUs on lots with two- or three-unit residential structures and clarifies that municipalities cannot require planning board approval for ADUs or for projects with four or fewer dwelling units in a single structure. Finally, it designates child care facilities as permitted uses in residential zones, subject to the same zoning requirements as single-family homes, and clarifies that certain provisions do not apply to areas zoned for industrial uses.