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Wells boards amend ADU rules to comply with state law, tighten lease and occupancy language
Summary
After a joint public hearing, the Planning Board and Select Board directed staff to forward amendments to Chapter 145 to comply with LD 2003; the changes clarify detached ADUs, follow state parking wording, require 12-month minimum leases for ADUs and define owner-occupancy as a 'primary residence.'
WELLS, Maine — The Wells Planning Board and Select Board held a joint public hearing March 17 and agreed to forward amended language to Chapter 145 that tracks state LD 2003 while adding local clarifications on accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Leah, the meeting presenter, said LD 2003 (enacted 2022) requires municipalities to permit ADUs and set related standards and that the draft ordinance before the boards seeks to meet those statutory requirements without exceeding them. "Please don't shoot the messenger," Leah said, explaining the town's limited ability to alter state-imposed requirements.
Resident Tiffany Nelson told the boards she supports more affordable housing but urged protections for neighbors, raising questions about detached ADUs,…
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