ME LD546

Maine Office of Community Affairs must contract with a consultant to develop 5-8 preapproved building types (single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, mixed-use buildings) that municipalities can adopt to streamline building permit processing

Each building type must include 8-10 design options for components like dormers, porches, and additions, reflecting Maine's vernacular architecture and meeting state/federal building and energy codes

Building designs must include units affordable at rents not exceeding 30% of county area median income, with prototypical site plans showing building placement, parking, setbacks, and build-to lines

Public engagement required through in-person focus groups, online visual preference surveys, and at least 2 rounds of crowdsourced feedback on draft designs

Report due to Legislature by November 4, 2026 with recommended legislation for automatic administrative approval of preapproved building permits in designated growth areas with public water and sewer; $200,000 allocated in FY 2025-26