ME LD1926

Municipalities must allow workforce housing developments (at least 5 units, with 50%+ designated as workforce housing) wherever single-family or multifamily residential housing is permitted, with implementation dates of January 1, 2026 or July 1, 2026 depending on municipal structure

Density increases range from 30% to 75% above base density based on income targeting: 75% increase for households at 80-100% area median income (AMI), 60% for 101-120% AMI, 45% for 121-180% AMI, and 30% for 181-220% AMI

Alternative minimum lot sizes may be used instead of density bonuses when they yield more units: lot sizes reduced by 90% for 80-100% AMI, 75% for 101-120% AMI, 65% for 121-180% AMI, and 50% for 181-220% AMI

Parking requirements are capped at one off-street space per three workforce housing units, and developments must comply with municipal setbacks, height limits, and shoreland zoning

Owners must record a 30-year restrictive covenant with the registry of deeds requiring units to be rented or sold to income-qualified households as their primary residence, with municipalities authorized to enforce compliance