ME LD1940

Transfers administration of Maine's growth management program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the new Maine Office of Community Affairs and extends comprehensive plan certification validity from 10 to 12 years

Introduces a "placetype-based" planning framework requiring municipalities to designate and map rural areas, suburban areas, village centers, downtowns, high-impact corridors, and growth areas in comprehensive plans

Revises affordable housing definitions to include rental housing for households up to 80% of area median income and owned housing for households up to 120% of median income, both capped at 30% of monthly income for housing costs

Requires comprehensive plans to include climate vulnerability assessments, mapping of critical and important natural resources, conserved lands identification, and needs analyses addressing housing, economic development, and environmental protection

Establishes a 17-member stakeholder group to provide input on rulemaking and requires the Maine Office of Community Affairs to develop public participation guidance for comprehensive plan development