Sen. Chip Curry introduces bill to examine regulatory barriers to housing construction

AUGUSTA — On Friday, April 25, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, presented a bill to establish a working group to study the impact of building codes and other construction regulations on Maine’s housing supply. LD 1375, “Resolve, to Establish a Working Group to Address Regulatory Barriers to Housing Construction,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development.

“It’s no secret that Maine is in a housing crisis. Too many people across our state — rural, urban and coastal — are struggling to find a safe, affordable place to live,” said Sen. Curry. “Tackling this crisis will be impossible if we assume the answers without having the right information about barriers to construction. We should always strive to base our decisions on the best available data and expertise, all while ensuring safety is top of mind.”

The bill directs the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Housing Opportunity Program to convene a working group composed of engineers, builders, code officials, planners and other stakeholders. Their charge would be to evaluate existing building standards and recommend updates that align with modern materials, technology and safety science.

Sen. Curry noted that Maine is not alone in this conversation. A recent report from The Pew Charitable Trusts highlights how outdated or overly rigid construction codes, like requiring two stairwells in small apartment buildings, can drive up costs or limit design options, even when modern safety features could offer equivalent protection.

The working group’s report would be due by December 31, 2025, positioning the Legislature to act on its findings next session.

LD 1375 awaits further action in the committee.

Sen. Curry represents District 11, which includes all of Waldo County.

###