City planning staff led an annual preservation-training segment for the Historic Preservation Commission that reviewed legal background, existing local codes, ongoing architectural surveys and design-review topics including accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Training highlights: Staff reviewed the legal precedent (Penn Central Transportation v. City of New York, U.S. Supreme Court) used to assess regulatory takings, explained the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (rehabilitation, preservation, restoration) and noted that Bangor is a Certified Local Government, which opens certain grant opportunities. Staff also described the code chapters that govern the commission’s work (Chapter 148 for historic preservation and Chapter 71 for the Bangor Center Revitalization/Facade District) and cautioned about due process, open‑meeting rules and conflict‑of‑interest procedures.

Surveys and designation: Staff and the commission discussed the recently funded Phase 4 architectural survey (Tree Street, parts of State Street, the Grange and park areas). Commissioners asked whether the commission could proactively nominate new districts; staff said the commission can recommend districts to council but that nominations require coordination with the state historic-preservation office and staff time and resources to prepare the documentation. Commissioners proposed a strategic planning session or dedicated meeting to prioritize which recommended survey findings to pursue for designation.

ADUs: Staff reviewed state law requiring that at least one ADU be allowed on lots with a single-family principal dwelling and summarized Bangor’s local limit: ADU footprint may not exceed 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. Staff summarized takeaways from a National Alliance of Preservation Commissions webinar, noting review standards used in other cities (compatibility, subordination to primary structure, visual impact and placement on the lot). Commissioners asked staff to prepare a short bullet list of ADU design-review considerations to serve as a starting point for possible local guidance.

Next steps: Staff will send completed Phase 4 survey materials to commissioners, prepare a short ADU guidance bullet list for the next meeting and bring the topic of priorities/strategic planning back as an agenda item.