The Saco City Council on Nov. 24 moved to advance an order addressing contract zones that predate January 2021, following months of review and public comment. Councillor Phil Hatch framed the item as the product of an extended review and said staff and legal advisors had spent hours preparing the council for action.

City Attorney Leah Raishin told the council that recent court analysis effectively treated contract zones as contracts. “I think that is a correct interpretation,” Raishin said, adding that the court, in a recent case, proceeded with analysis “basically assuming that contract zones were in fact contracts.” Raishin said that treated as contracts, the agreements would likely remain enforceable and could be subject to legal challenge if otherwise treated.

Councillors acknowledged the complexity and the need for clearer procedures. Councillor Johnston said the repeal of parts of the zoning ordinance left two distinct questions: the underlying zoning designation and the separate contract agreements that impose restrictions on use. Multiple councillors expressed support for developing a standard operating procedure and for pursuing ordinance fixes where appropriate.

The council voted by roll call to approve the order relating to pre‑Jan. 2021 contract zones. The motion passed on the record with all voting members in favor.

What happens next: staff will work on standard operating procedures and return with any recommended ordinance changes. The council and staff also signaled that residents should expect additional public discussion as specific contract‑zone questions arise.