Bangor planning board unanimously grants land‑use permit for 15 Hemlock Street four‑unit project

The City of Bangor Planning Board on Nov. 18 unanimously granted a land development permit for a two‑story, four‑unit development at 15 Hemlock Street, finding the proposal met all applicable city land‑development standards.

The decision came after planning staff confirmed the application was complete and the applicant’s representative, Jim Kaiser, described the proposal and how the lot split, parking layout and buffering would bring the remaining lots into compliance. "We'd be more than happy to answer any questions the board may have," Kaiser told the board during his presentation.

Why it matters: The board’s written findings — approved item by item — addressed stormwater, erosion and sediment control, lot frontage, parking and setbacks, utilities and fire protection, as required by the land development code. The unanimous roll‑call votes across Parts 1–5 of the code establish administrative assurances that the plan may be recorded at the registry of deeds and proceed toward construction permitting.

What the board said and did: Members individually moved and seconded each required code finding and approved them by roll call. Member Hume moved the final decision to grant the permit and Member Basnet seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous vote and Chair Rhys Perkins instructed the applicant to follow up with Code Enforcement on next steps.

Staff context and next steps: City staff confirmed fees were paid and exhibits relied on for each finding were listed in the record. The board noted that after the planning decision the applicant must record the necessary documents at the registry of deeds and obtain building and utility permits before work begins.

Public comment: There were no in‑room public commentators for this project; the board acknowledged a written communication had been received but did not read it into the record.

The board’s action: The land development permit for site development plan, planned group development and minor subdivision for 15 Hemlock Street was granted unanimously; the board’s findings will be recorded and the applicant will pursue building and related permits.