During the annual priority setting sessions, the City Council discussed and indicated support for designating housing as the priority for the 2023-2024 council year, as housing impacts every aspect of our community.

City Council's Priority for the 2023-2024 Council Year

» Dwelling units completed

FY2024 units by quarter:

FY2023 (7/1/22 - 6/30/23): 85

» Approved units pending completion: 367

*Market-rate housing refers to non-subsidized properties that are rented or owned by those who pay market-rate rents or who paid market value to purchase the property. Unlike subsidized affordable housing, market-rate housing does not confer special government benefits.

» Financial Support

Utilizing our Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to invest in housing.

FY2024 (7/1/23 - 6/30/24):

1st Quarter

Affordable Housing (ARPA) - $3,915,000

2nd Quarter

Affordable Housing (CDBG) - $95,000

Infrastructure for Housing - $90,000

Heat pump and weatherization rebates - $99,000

Down payment & closing cost assistance - $10,000

3rd Quarter

Affordable Housing (CDBG) - $578,723

Down payment & closing cost assistance - $62,776

FY2023 (7/1/22 - 6/30/23): $1,750,925

Down payment & closing cost assistance - $89,933

Heat pump and weatherization rebates - $161,891

Residential Rehabilitation - $363,001

Affordable Housing (ARPA) - $936,100

Affordable Housing (CDBG) - $200,000

» Reducing Regulatory Barriers

2024

○ Reduce Restrictions on Setbacks and Dimensional Requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units

○ Creating Regulations and Allowances for Co-Living Dormitories

○ Reduce Off-Street Parking Minimums for Residential Dwellings

○ Rezoning of Property on Grandview Ave. from Park & Open Space to Multifamily & Service District

2023

○ Tenants’ Rights policy
○ Allowing permanent supportive housing in additional zones
○ Allowed multi-family and mixed commercial residential in 2 major commercial zones
○ Revised mobile/manufactured home park language to comply with State law, allowing more flexibility for expansion/new park creation
○ Enacted zone changes to comply with LD 2003, allowing for more dwelling units in residential zones

2022

○ Reduced parking requirements
○ Allowed for tiny home parks
○ Allowed boardinghouses
○ Allowed greater flexibility on non-conforming properties

○Allowed for permanent supportive housing

2020

○ Reduced lot sizes and setbacks in some residential zones

2019

○ Accessory Dwelling Units allowance enacted (ADU)

» Current Projects

• Grandview Ave Housing Development Project rezoned to Multifamily & Service District (M&SD) – approved by City Council on 3/25/2024
Public Charette meeting – date pending

• Short-term rental regulations - Starting May 2024
• Bangor Housing Study Bid - Council approved contract to HR&A on 1/8/24
o Housing Needs Assessment
o Update to 2019 housing study
o Encourage ADU’s
o Evaluate other possible barriers to housing
o Evaluate potential development scenarios
o Identify gaps and resources for achieving housing goals
• Pre-approved building plan bid - Staff is reviewing proposals
• Rental Registry (Licensure) Program, for long-term rentals - Starting May 2024
• Sprinkler systems and heat pumps for multi-family
• Evaluate city properties for reuse - Update on 2/5/24 B&ED meeting

• Reducing setback/dimensional restrictions for ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units) – reviewed on 4/2/2024 Planning Board meeting and reviewed by City Council 4/8/2024

• Increasing height allowance for certain districts to facilitate adding dwelling units – reviewed on 4/2/2024 Planning Board meeting and reviewed by B&ED May 2024

» Additional Resources

Maine State Housing Authority

Bangor Housing Study

Page updated on 4/16/24