Committee recommends historic‑preservation code changes to speed approvals

The Business and Economic Development Committee voted June 1 to forward proposed changes to the city’s historic preservation ordinance to full City Council, after staff said the amendments reflect workshops with the Historic Preservation Commission and input from the Maine Preservation Commission and the city’s legal team.

Planning Officer Collette told the committee the changes are intended to address approval delays and that staff plan a second round of changes informed by further workshops to define district-specific character‑defining features. Community and Economic Development Director Krieg said a district‑by‑district analysis, using National Park Service vocabulary for character‑defining features, will help clarify standards.

During public comment, Bangor contractor Rick Violette said the draft still allows the Commission to require identical materials because the phrase “technically and economically feasible” is undefined, leaving applicants to prove hardship. He said, "the ordinance requiring applicants to match materials when "technically and economically feasible" without defining this feasibility allows the Commission to still require same‑material replacement." Collette and others said staff will pursue additional workshops and guidance.

Councilor Beck moved to send the full recommendation as written to full City Council; the motion, seconded by Councilor Faloon, passed on a 3–2 roll call vote (Beck, Faloon, Leonard in favor; Fish, Mallar opposed). The committee’s action sends the draft ordinance to full Council for further consideration and possible revision.