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Rangeley committee reviews state housing changes that could let four-unit buildings avoid local planning review
Summary
Committee members reviewed draft state legislation (LD 1829/LD 2173) that would remove municipal planning-board approval for developments of up to four dwelling units in certain areas, discussed sprinkler and owner-occupancy rules for multiunit dwellings, and weighed how to protect local review and zoning before the statutory ordinance-alignment deadline.
The Rangeley Plan Implementation Committee spent much of its June 22 meeting unpacking draft state housing language members said could change how the town regulates small multiunit housing.
A staff member told the committee the draft (referred to in the packet as LD 1829/LD 2173) would prohibit municipalities from requiring planning-board approval for development of up to four dwelling units in growth areas with sewer service and would allow four units on qualifying lots; developments of five or more units would continue to require planning and subdivision review. The staff member also said the bill reinstates sprinkler requirements for three- and four-unit buildings and includes owner-occupancy and accessory-dwelling-unit language.
"If any residential lot that allows, that's either the growth area or has sewer, you can have four units," the staff member said, summarizing the draft language. Committee members pressed for clarity on whether towns must act to preserve local review. "So you were saying instead of saying 'may not,' that should say 'must not,'" the chair said during the discussion.
Members said the changes aim to speed housing production but could limit local control over where density is added. The committee discussed using zoning adjustments and density bonuses to encourage growth in areas that already have water and sewer infrastructure rather than allowing unplanned sprawl.
The committee agreed to re-read the legislative language carefully and bring questions to the next meeting. The chair emphasized the need for a full understanding before recommending local steps: "I think if you're gonna understand it to the point that you can work with it, you probably have to read it three or four times," the chair said.
The committee did not take formal action on a local policy in response to the draft at this meeting. Members said they will continue the discussion at a future meeting and consider drafting guidance for the ordinance committee if the state language remains as presented.
