Committee backs changes to municipal residential-building reporting deadlines and categories
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Summary
LD 2079 would shift municipal residential-building reports from Jan. 31 to March 31, adjust unit-category breakdowns, and require reporting income-restricted units "if known;" the committee recommended "ought to pass," though some members objected to added reporting burdens for small municipalities.
Augusta, Maine — The committee voted to report LD 2079 "ought to pass," approving amendments that revise municipal reporting requirements for residential construction and streamline categories in the reporting form.
Sponsor Representative Gere said the bill moves the annual reporting deadline to March 31, clarifies that municipalities should report on the prior calendar year, modifies building-type categories (ADUs, single-unit, 2-unit, 3-unit, 5-plus), requires reporting income-restricted units "if known," and directs the Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) to encourage reporting by municipalities with populations under 4,000.
Committee members discussed whether the income-restricted field should be a separate item and whether the form used aligns with U.S. Census reporting. Sponsor said the language was drafted to match forms used in testing with municipalities and that the intent is to make reporting easier compared with prior law. Some members from less-populated regions said testing was focused in southern Maine and raised concerns about additional burden on small towns.
After discussion and a brief caucus the committee recorded a roll-call recommendation in favor with several members opposed; minority reports were filed. The committee closed the LD 2079 work session and will continue with drafting and any OFPR fiscal considerations if required.
What's next: Staff will file the amended language for LD 2079; municipalities and MOCA will be engaged to ensure the reporting form and guidance are clear.
