ME LD2173

Rate of growth ordinances must set building permits at 130% or more of the mean permits issued over the prior 5 years, and may not require development permits for affordable housing as defined in statute

Municipalities must allow at least 3 dwelling units per lot in residential areas, or at least 4 units per lot in designated growth areas or areas with public water and sewer systems

Accessory dwelling units must be allowed on lots with single-family homes or 2-3 unit residential structures, and planning board approval cannot be required for 4 or fewer units or ADUs

Affordable housing developments may exceed municipal height restrictions by up to 14 feet, to a maximum of 55 feet total, in growth areas or areas with public water and sewer; implementation dates are July 1, 2026 for council-enacted ordinances and July 1, 2027 for voter-enacted ordinances

Municipalities with noncompliant "subdivision" definitions may delay compliance until January 1, 2028 by filing their current definition with the county registry of deeds by July 1, 2026