An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 2003
Committee: Labor and Housing
Sponsors: FECTEAU, HICKMAN, ARATA
Amends: 5 MRSA §4581-A, 5 MRSA §12004-B, 30-A MRSA §4364-E, 30-A MRSA §4360, 30-A MRSA §4364, 30-A MRSA §4364-A, 30-A MRSA §4364-B, 30-A MRSA §4364-C, 30-A MRSA §4364-D

Legislative Document
No. 2003
H.P. 1489
House of Representatives, March 2, 2022
An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To 
Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and 
Land Use Restrictions
(EMERGENCY)
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
203.
Received by the Clerk of the House on February 28, 2022.  Referred to the Committee on 
Labor and Housing pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 
401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Speaker FECTEAU of Biddeford.
Cosponsored by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec and
Representative: ARATA of New Gloucester.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying 
Zoning and Land Use Restrictions published its final report in December 2021 and the 
information within that report indicates an urgent need to address the availability of 
affordable housing in Maine; and 
Whereas, the recommendations within that report are essential to addressing the 
availability of affordable housing in Maine; and
Whereas, the provisions in this legislation are based upon the recommendations in 
that report; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  5 MRSA §4581-A, sub-§3, ¶B, as amended by PL 2021, c. 366, §10 and  
c. 476, §3, is further amended to read:
B.  Discriminate in the granting of financial assistance, or in the terms, conditions or 
privileges relating to obtaining or the use of any financial assistance, against any 
applicant because of race or color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical 
or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, familial status or any previous 
actions seeking and receiving an order of protection under Title 19‑A, section 4007; or
Sec. 2.  5 MRSA §4581-A, sub-§4, as enacted by PL 2011, c. 613, §11 and affected 
by §29, is amended to read:
4.  Receipt of public assistance.  For any person furnishing rental premises or public 
accommodations to refuse to rent or impose different terms of tenancy to any individual 
who is a recipient of federal, state or local public assistance, including medical assistance 
and housing subsidies, primarily because of the individual's status as recipient.; or
Sec. 3.  5 MRSA §4581-A, sub-§5 is enacted to read:
5.  Housing development.  For any municipality or government entity to restrict the 
construction or development of housing accommodations in any area based upon criteria 
that refers to the character of a location, the overcrowding of land or the undue 
concentration of the population. For the purposes of this subsection, the following terms 
have the following meanings.
A.  "Character of a location" means the unique characteristics of a municipality or 
specific area within a municipality or other political subdivision.
B.  "Concentration of the population" means the density of the population within a 
municipality or specific area within a municipality or other political subdivision being 
too high.
C.  "Overcrowding of land" means the density of residential dwellings or other 
development in a municipality or specific area within a municipality or other political 
subdivision being too high.
Sec. 4.  5 MRSA §12004-B, sub-§11 is enacted to read:
11.   
Municipal Housing Development Permit 
Review Board
Expenses Only 
30-A MRSA 
§4364-E
Sec. 5.  30-A MRSA §4360, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2007, c. 77, §§1 and 2 and 
c. 155, §1 and affected by c. 466, Pt. B, §§20 and 21, is further amended to read:
3.  Ordinance requirements.  A municipality may adopt a rate of growth ordinance 
only if:
A.  The ordinance is consistent with section 4314, subsection 3; and
B.  The ordinance sets the number of building or development permits for new 
residential dwellings, not including permits for affordable housing, at 105% or more 
of the mean number of permits issued for new residential dwellings within the 
municipality during the 10 years immediately prior to the year in which the number is 
calculated.  The mean is determined by adding together the total number of permits 
issued, excluding permits issued for affordable housing, for new residential dwellings 
for each year in the prior 10 years and then dividing by 10;
C.  In addition to the permits established pursuant to paragraph B, the ordinance sets 
the number of building or development permits for affordable housing at no less than 
10% of the number of permits set in the ordinance pursuant to paragraph B; and
D.  The number of building or development permits for new any kind of residential 
dwellings, including but not limited to building or development permits for affordable 
housing, allowed under the ordinance is recalculated every 3 years not restricted.
Sec. 6.  30-A MRSA §4360, sub-§4 is enacted to read:
4.  Growth caps prohibited.  A municipality may not adopt an ordinance that caps the 
number of building or development permits each year for any kind of residential dwellings, 
including but not limited to building or development permits for affordable housing.
Sec. 7.  30-A MRSA §4364 is enacted to read:
§4364.  Technical assistance to municipalities related to zoning and land use 
ordinances
The Department of Economic and Community Development, referred to in this section 
as "the department," shall make technical assistance for the purposes of developing and 
implementing zoning ordinances and land use ordinances available to municipalities in 
accordance with this section.
1.  Technical assistance program.  The department shall develop a program to provide 
technical assistance to municipalities for the purposes of developing and implementing 
zoning ordinances and land use ordinances in accordance with this chapter, including but 
not limited to:
A.  Ensuring that zoning ordinances and land use ordinances developed by 
municipalities conform with state and federal laws; and
B.  Assisting in the formal review of municipal building and development permits.
2.  Grant program. The department shall develop a program to provide grants from 
the Municipal Planning Assistance Grant and Incentive Program Fund established under 
subsection 3 to municipalities for the purposes of contracting for services and hiring staff 
to help administer municipal responsibilities under this chapter. The department shall adopt 
rules outlining the application process and criteria for a municipality to receive a grant 
under this subsection. Approved uses of grants issued under this subsection include but are 
not limited to the following:
A.  Contracting for the services of a regional planning organization or other private 
entity for assistance in the development and implementation of zoning ordinances and 
land use ordinances under this chapter; and
B.  Hiring municipal employees to oversee or assist in the development and 
implementation of zoning ordinances and land use ordinances under this chapter.
3.  Municipal Planning Assistance Grant and Incentive Program Fund.  The 
Municipal Planning Assistance Grant and Incentive Program Fund is established as an 
ongoing, nonlapsing General Fund program account within the department. The fund 
receives funds appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of providing grants under 
subsection 2 and funding any staffing positions in the department necessary to administer 
this section. 
4.  Rules.  The department shall adopt rules to administer this section. Rules adopted 
pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, 
subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 8.  30-A MRSA §4364-A is enacted to read:
§4364-A.  Municipal incentive program
The Department of Economic and Community Development, referred to in this section 
as "the department," shall develop a program to incentivize review of municipal zoning 
ordinances and land use ordinances. A municipality may participate in the program for up 
to 3 years.
1.  Municipal incentives.  The department shall provide a grant of up to $25,000 to a 
municipality for each year the municipality participates in the program.  To be eligible for 
a grant under the program, a municipality must commit to:
A.  In the first year, establishing a working group to review how the municipality's 
zoning ordinances and land use ordinances may impact the availability of housing in 
the municipality.  A municipality may satisfy the requirements of this paragraph by 
creating a joint working group with one or more other municipalities;
B.  In the 2nd year, adopting or amending the municipality's zoning ordinances and 
land use ordinances to promote the availability of housing in the municipality, based 
upon the recommendations of the working group described in paragraph A, as 
determined by the department; and
C.  In the 3rd year, providing information to the department about current or 
prospective housing developments, or permits issued for the construction of housing, 
that resulted from the zoning ordinances or land use ordinances the municipality 
adopted or amended under paragraph B.
2.  Rules.  The department shall adopt rules to administer this section. Rules adopted 
pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, 
subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 9.  30-A MRSA §4364-B is enacted to read:
§4364-B.  Affordable housing density
For an affordable housing development approved on or after April 20, 2022, a 
municipality shall apply density requirements in accordance with this section. 
1.  Definition.  For the purposes of this section, "affordable housing development" 
means:
A.  For rental housing, a development in which a household with an income at 80% of 
the local area median income can afford a majority of the units without spending more 
than 30% of the household's monthly income on housing costs; and
B.  For owned housing, a development in which a household with an income at 120% 
of the local area median income can afford a majority of the units without spending 
more than 30% of the household's monthly income on housing costs.
2.  Density requirements.  A municipality shall allow an affordable housing 
development to have a dwelling unit density of at least 2 1/2 times the density that is 
otherwise allowed in the zone where the affordable housing development is located and 
may not require more than 2 off-street parking spaces for every 3 units.
3.  Long-term affordability.  Before approving an affordable housing development, a 
municipality shall require that the person proposing the affordable housing development 
has agreed to ensure that for at least 30 years:
A.  For rental housing, occupancy of the development will remain limited to households 
at or below 80% of the local area median income and, for owned housing, occupancy 
of the development will remain limited to households at or below 120% of the local 
area median income; and
B.  A unit will not be rented to a person for less than a 30-day period.
4.  Rules.  The Department of Economic and Community Development shall adopt 
rules to administer and enforce this section.  The rules must include criteria for a 
municipality to use in calculating local area median income and housing costs.  Rules 
adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 
375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 10.  30-A MRSA §4364-C is enacted to read:
§4364-C.  Residential zones, generally; up to 4 dwelling units permitted
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, for any zone in which housing 
is permitted, a municipality shall permit structures with up to 4 dwelling units.
For any zone in which housing is permitted, municipal ordinances must comply with 
the following conditions.
1.  Dimensional and setback requirements.  Municipal ordinances may not establish 
dimensional size requirements or setback distances for multifamily housing structures that 
are greater than dimensional or setback requirements for single-family housing structures.
2.  Water and wastewater.  Municipal ordinances must provide that the owner of a 
housing structure must provide written verification to the municipality that the structure is 
connected to adequate water and wastewater services before the municipality may certify 
the structure for occupancy. Written verification under this subsection must include:
A.  If a housing structure is connected to the municipal sewer system, proof of adequate 
service to support any additional flow created by the structure and proof of payment 
for the connection to the municipal sewer system;
B.  If a housing structure is connected to a septic system, proof of adequate sewage 
disposal for subsurface wastewater. The septic system must be verified as adequate by 
a local plumbing inspector under section 4221. Plans for subsurface wastewater 
disposal must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator in accordance with subsurface 
wastewater disposal rules adopted under Title 22, section 42;
C.  If a housing structure is connected to a public water system, the volume and supply 
of water required for the structure; and
D.  If a housing structure is connected to a well, proof of access to potable water. Any 
tests of an existing well or proposed well must indicate that the water supply is potable 
and acceptable for domestic use.
3.  Municipal implementation.  In adopting an ordinance, a municipality may:
A.  Establish an application and permitting process for housing structures;
B.  Impose fines for violations of building, zoning and utility requirements for housing 
structures; and
C.  Establish alternative criteria that are less restrictive than the requirements of 
subsection 2 for the approval of a housing structure only in circumstances in which the 
municipality would be able to provide a variance under section 4353, subsection 4, 
4-A, 4-B or 4-C. 
4.  Shoreland zoning.  Municipal ordinances must require that housing structures 
comply with minimum shoreland zoning requirements set by the Department of 
Environmental Protection under Title 38, chapter 3.
5.  Implementation.  A municipality is not required to implement the requirements of 
this section until April 20, 2023.
Sec. 11.  30-A MRSA §4364-D is enacted to read:
§4364-D.  Accessory dwelling units
1.  Use permitted.  A municipality shall allow an accessory dwelling unit to be located 
on the same lot as a single-family dwelling unit in any zone in which housing is permitted.  
For the purposes of this section, "accessory dwelling unit" has the same meaning as in 
section 4301, subsection 1-C.
2.  Restrictions.  An accessory dwelling unit may be constructed only:
A.  Within an existing structure on the lot;
B.  Attached to or sharing a wall with a single-family dwelling unit; or
C.  As a new structure on the lot for the primary purpose of creating an accessory 
dwelling unit.
This subsection does not restrict the construction or permitting of accessory dwelling units 
constructed and certified for occupancy prior to April 20, 2023. 
3.  Zoning.  With respect to accessory dwelling units, municipal zoning ordinances 
must comply with the following conditions:
A.  At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on any lot where a single-
family dwelling unit is the primary structure;
B.  A lot where a single-family dwelling unit is the primary structure and an accessory 
dwelling unit has been constructed must be zoned as single-family;
C.  A municipality shall exempt an accessory dwelling unit from any density 
requirements or calculations related to the zone in which the accessory dwelling unit is 
constructed;
D.  For an accessory dwelling unit located within the same structure as a single-family 
dwelling unit, the setback requirements and dimensional requirements must be the 
same as the setback requirements and dimensional requirements of the single-family 
dwelling unit;
E.  An accessory dwelling unit may not be subject to any additional parking 
requirements beyond the parking requirements of the single-family dwelling unit on 
the lot where the accessory dwelling unit is located;
F.  An accessory dwelling unit must comply with minimum shoreland zoning 
requirements set by the Department of Environmental Protection under Title 38, 
chapter 3; 
G.  An accessory dwelling unit must meet the minimum size for a dwelling unit set by 
the Maine Uniform Building Code, adopted by the Technical Building Codes and 
Standards Board under Title 10, section 9722; and
H.  An accessory dwelling unit may not be rented to a person for a period of less than 
days.  This paragraph does not apply to an accessory dwelling unit constructed or 
permitted prior to April 20, 2022.
4.  Water and wastewater.  The owner of an accessory dwelling unit must provide 
written verification to the municipality that the accessory dwelling unit is connected to 
adequate water and wastewater services before the municipality may certify the accessory 
dwelling unit for occupancy.  Written verification under this subsection must include:
A.  If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to the municipal sewer system, proof of 
adequate service to support any additional flow created by the accessory dwelling unit 
and proof of payment for the connection to the municipal sewer system;
B.  If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a septic system, proof of adequate 
sewage disposal for subsurface wastewater. The septic system must be verified as 
adequate by a local plumbing inspector under section 4221. Plans for subsurface 
wastewater disposal must be prepared by a licensed site evaluator in accordance with 
subsurface wastewater disposal rules adopted under Title 22, section 42;
C.  If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a public water system, the volume and 
supply of water required for the accessory dwelling unit; and
D.  If an accessory dwelling unit is connected to a well, proof of access to potable 
water. Any tests of an existing well or proposed well must indicate that the water supply 
is potable and acceptable for domestic use.
5.  Municipal implementation.  In adopting an ordinance under this section, a 
municipality may:
A.  Establish an application and permitting process for accessory dwelling units;
B.  Impose fines for violations of building, zoning and utility requirements for 
accessory dwelling units; and
C.  Establish alternative criteria that are less restrictive than the requirements of 
subsection 3, paragraph C, D, E, F or G or subsection 4 for the approval of an accessory 
dwelling unit only in circumstances in which the municipality would be able to provide 
a variance under section 4353, subsection 4, 4-A, 4-B or 4-C. 
6.  Implementation.  A municipality is not required to implement the requirements of 
this section until April 20, 2023.
Sec. 12.  30-A MRSA §4364-E is enacted to read:
§4364-E.  Municipal Housing Development Permit Review Board
The Municipal Housing Development Permit Review Board, established in Title 5, 
section 12004-I, subsection 30-C and referred to in this section as "the board," is 
responsible for the review of municipal housing development permit decisions.
1.  Organization.  The board consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor for 
terms of 5 years. A member may continue to serve on the board after the end of the 
member's term until the member's replacement is designated. In making appointments 
under this subsection, the Governor shall make 2 appointments based upon 
recommendations from the President of the Senate and 2 appointments based upon 
recommendations from the Speaker of the House of Representatives. After all members 
have been appointed, the board shall convene an initial meeting to elect a chair by majority 
vote.  If a vacancy occurs on the board, the Governor may appoint a replacement to serve 
the remainder of the term.
2.  Meetings.  The chair shall convene meetings of the board as necessary. A majority 
of the board's members constitutes a quorum. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the 
board and is the official spokesperson of the board.
3.  Review of municipal decisions.  A person that has received a final decision from a 
municipality denying an application for a housing project may file a complaint to the board 
requesting review of that decision. Upon receipt of a complaint, the board shall set a time 
and place to convene and hold a hearing.  The board shall give written notice of the hearing 
at least 20 days in advance of the hearing to the person that submitted the complaint and 
the municipality that denied the application. During the hearing, the board shall invite the 
person that submitted the complaint and representatives from the municipality to provide 
testimony regarding the project under review. After the hearing, the board shall issue an 
opinion determining whether the project should have been approved. The board shall issue 
the opinion in writing to the person that submitted the complaint and to the municipality. 
If the board determines that a project should have been approved, the municipality that 
denied the project shall approve the project.  A determination issued under this subsection 
is a final agency action as defined in Title 5, section 8002, subsection 4.
4.  Staff.  The chair may hire one full-time staff person to assist the board in performing 
its duties under this section.  The primary responsibilities of that staff person include, but 
are not limited to, performing administrative tasks and conducting research.
Sec. 13.  30-A MRSA c. 206, sub-c. 7 is enacted to read:
SUBCHAPTER 7
PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT ZONES
§5250-U.  Priority development zones required
A municipality shall designate an area within the municipality as a priority 
development zone. A priority development zone must be located in an area that has 
significant potential for housing development and is located near community resources, as 
determined by the Department of Economic and Community Development.  A priority 
development zone must comply with the requirements of this section and any rules adopted 
under subsection 3. 
1.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following 
meanings.
A.  "Community resources" means services available to the community within a 
municipality, including but not limited to transportation, schools, recreational 
opportunities and any other services provided by the municipality. "Community 
resources" also includes business and employment opportunities within the 
municipality.
B.  "Priority development zone" means a zone in which owned or rented multifamily 
housing composed of both market rate units and units that meet the definition of 
"affordable housing" under section 4301, subsection 1 is permitted at a specified 
density that is greater than the density allowed in other zones within the municipality. 
2.  Review.  Prior to adopting an ordinance designating a priority development zone, a 
municipality shall submit a draft ordinance for review to the Department of Economic and 
Community Development. Upon receipt of a draft ordinance, the department shall conduct 
a review to ensure compliance with this section and any applicable rules adopted under 
subsection 3. 
3.  Rules.  The Department of Economic and Community Development shall adopt 
rules to administer the requirements of this section. Rules adopted under this subsection 
must include but are not limited to:
A.  Criteria to evaluate whether an area has significant potential for housing 
development;
B.  Criteria to evaluate whether an area is located near community resources; 
C.  Minimum density requirements for an area to qualify as a priority development 
zone; and
D.  Minimum criteria to evaluate whether an ordinance incentivizes the development 
of multifamily housing within a priority development zone, including but not limited 
to establishing reduced parking requirements.
Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, 
chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
4.  Application; compliance.  A municipality is not required to comply with the 
requirements of this section until 2 years following the adoption of rules under subsection 
3.
Sec. 14.  Initial appointments; staggered terms.  Notwithstanding the Maine 
Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, section 4364-E, subsection 1, with regard to the initial 
appointments to the Municipal Housing Development Permit Review Board, the Governor 
shall appoint 2 members for a term of one year, 2 members for a term of 3 years and 3 
members for a term of 5 years.
Sec. 15.  Appropriations and allocations.  The following appropriations and 
allocations are made.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF
Municipal Housing Development Permit Review Board N414
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for one Planning and Research Assistant position to 
provide assistance to the Municipal Housing Development Permit Review Board including 
performing administrative tasks and conducting research.
GENERAL FUND
2021-22
2022-23
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
0.000
1.000
Personal Services
$0
$72,262
All Other
$0
$7,500
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$0
$79,762
Municipal Land Use and Zoning Ordinances Review Incentive Program N412
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for one Public Service Coordinator I position to 
implement a municipal land use and zoning ordinances review incentive program and to 
provide technical assistance to municipalities.
GENERAL FUND
2021-22
2022-23
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
0.000
1.000
Personal Services
$0
$82,260
All Other
$0
$7,500
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$0
$89,760
Municipal Land Use and Zoning Ordinances Review Incentive Program N412
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for grants to municipalities to review municipal land use 
and zoning ordinances.
GENERAL FUND
2021-22
2022-23
All Other
$0
$3,000,000
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$0
$3,000,000
Municipal Planning Assistance Grant and Incentive Program Fund N411
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for one Public Service Coordinator II position to serve 
as a municipal planning coordinator providing expertise in zoning and land use ordinances 
to municipalities.
GENERAL FUND
2021-22
2022-23
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
0.000
1.000
Personal Services
$0
$108,060
All Other
$0
$7,500
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$0
$115,560
Municipal Planning Assistance Grant and Incentive Program Fund N411
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds to assist municipalities in the development and 
implementation of zoning and land use ordinances.  Funding appropriated for this purpose 
does not lapse but must be carried forward into the next fiscal year to be used only for the 
purpose for which it was provided.
GENERAL FUND
2021-22
2022-23
All Other
$0
$1,294,680
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$0
$1,294,680
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY 
DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS
2021-22
2022-23
GENERAL FUND
$0
$4,579,762
__________
__________
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS
$0
$4,579,762
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill makes changes to zoning and land use laws based upon the recommendations 
in the report of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying 
Zoning and Land Use Restrictions.  The bill:
1.  Amends the fair housing provisions of the Maine Human Rights Act to define the 
terms "character of a location," "overcrowding of land" and "concentration of the 
population" and to prohibit municipalities and government entities from using these criteria 
to restrict the construction or development of housing accommodations in any area;
2.  Establishes the Municipal Housing Development Permit Review Board, which is 
responsible for the review of municipal housing development permit decisions;
3.  Prohibits municipalities from adopting any ordinance that caps the number of 
building or development permits each year for any kind of residential dwellings;
4.  Requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to develop a 
program to provide technical assistance to municipalities for the purposes of developing 
and implementing zoning and land use ordinances;
5.  Requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to implement 
a program to provide grants to municipalities for the purposes of contracting for services 
and hiring staff to help administer municipal responsibilities in developing and 
implementing zoning and land use ordinances and appropriates $1,294,680 for that 
program in fiscal year 2022-23;
6.  Requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to create an 
incentive program that a municipality may participate in for up to 3 years and receive grants 
of up to $25,000 per year for fulfilling certain requirements related to reviewing how its 
zoning and land use ordinances may impact the availability of housing;
7.  Defines "affordable housing development," requires municipalities to allow 
affordable housing developments to be built at certain densities and sets certain criteria to 
ensure that an affordable housing development remains affordable for at least 30 years;
8.  Requires, for any zone in which housing is permitted, that a municipality permit 
structures with up to 4 dwelling units and creates general requirements for municipal 
ordinances governing residential zones;
9.  Beginning April 20, 2023, requires municipalities to allow the construction of 
accessory dwelling units and sets out specific requirements for the permitting and 
construction of accessory dwelling units; and
10.  Requires that a municipality designate an area within the municipality as a priority 
development zone, which is defined as a zone in which multifamily housing is permitted at 
a greater density, and requires the priority development zone to be located in an area that 
has significant potential for housing development and is located near community resources.  
Municipalities are not required to designate a priority development zone until 2 years 
following adoption of rules by the Department of Economic and Community Development.