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Permits near record and planning leadership shifts as city reports housing pipeline
Summary
City planning reported near-record permit values for 2024, a record number of permits issued, and ongoing housing development; Planning Director Eric Cousins will move to Public Services Director and city expects to announce a new planning director soon.
City planning staff told the Auburn City Council on Jan. 21 that 2024 was a strong year for permitting: permit values nearly matched the 2022 record and staff issued more permits in 2024 than in any past year.
Planning Director Eric Cousins reported total permit value for 2024 was roughly $74 million, about $70,000 short of the 2022 peak. “We actually issued significantly more permits than we have in a year,” Cousins said, and noted revenues from permits have risen in step with increased volume.
A small number of large projects drove the permit valuation, with rebuilds and major expansions among the largest contributors. Cousins also highlighted housing activity: the city permitted nearly 100 units in 2024 after over 200 units in 2023 and 132 in 2022; he said the trend shows more single-occupancy and small-household units rather than large family units, and school enrollment has not risen in step with housing growth.
Councilors asked about comparisons with other municipalities and whether Auburn’s growth rate is unusual; staff said Auburn is projected to grow while several larger Maine cities are projected to lose population through 2040. Cousins also said permit fees remain among the lowest in the state and staff are reviewing fee structures to cover inspection costs without deterring development.
Separately, the manager and council noted a leadership change: Cousins will transition to Public Services Director; the city said it is finalizing negotiations with a new planning director and expects an announcement within one to two weeks. The long-range planner recruitment was advertised and staff said the planning team is prepared to support the comprehensive plan update and other 2025 initiatives.
Cousins and councilors also referenced Lake Auburn watershed overlay activity: one new dwelling permitted in the overlay in the past 12 months. Staff said they will report further on that count in a later update.
