Senator Chipman introduces legislation to help address housing crisis

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Senator Ben Chipman, D-Portland, proposed legislation to help address the current housing crisis by removing barriers to creating affordable housing. LD 1593, “An Act to Increase Affordable Housing Development,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Select Committee on Housing.

This legislation would remove restrictions on constructing new or converting existing structures into residential housing. LD 1593 removes the minimum lot size requirements for multiple unit housing, dwelling unit density requirements for single-family or multifamily housing, and minimum size requirements for accessory dwelling units outside of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC).

“The housing crisis in this state is dire. It is up to us at the State House to ensure that we are doing everything we can to find ways to address this crisis,” said Senator Chipman. “Lifting these restrictions will expand opportunities to create affordable housing. Under current laws, there are many lots that cannot be built on because of existing ordinances enforced by municipalities. In order to create more opportunities to build new or repurpose existing housing, we need to allow construction on certain lots that were previously deemed forbidden from residential use.”

LD 1593 would continue efforts begun by legislation, LD 2003, from the 130th Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Janet T. Mills in 2022. Sponsored by former Speaker of the House, Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, LD 2003 works to grow affordable housing options in Maine after establishing zoning reform. The legislation received bipartisan support in both chambers of the Legislature and from numerous stakeholders. Senator Chipman’s bill would complement Speaker Fecteau’s landmark legislation by continuing efforts to encourage Maine property owners to construct more housing.

“Our goal is not to strip municipalities of their ability to regulate the design and character of their communities through tools like design review, height restrictions, and form-based codes,” said Eamonn Dundon, Director of Advocacy of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. “However, we must address their ability to restrict property rights, contribute to sprawl, and deny housing opportunities if are genuinely committed to the intertwined goals of economic growth and sustainability.”

LD 1593 faces further action in committee.

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