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

Latest Updates

Assessor's Update - May 2024

» Dwelling units completed

FY2025 units by quarter:

FY2024 (7/1/23 - 6/30/24): 72

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.

FY2025 (7/1/24 - 6/30/25):

1st Quarter

FY2024 (7/1/23 - 6/30/24): $5,100,499

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

Affordable Housing (CDBG) - $673,723

Infrastructure for Housing - $90,000

Heat pump and weatherization rebates - $99,000 

Down payment & closing cost assistance - $72,776

 Rental Registry's Quality Housing Provider Program - $250,000

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

» Housing Initiatives

2024

○ Rental Registry's Quality Housing Provider Program

○ 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

○ Grandview Ave Housing Development Project rezoned to Multifamily & Service District (M&SD)

○ Short-term rental regulations

○ Rental Registry (Licensure) Program, for long-term rentals

○ Reducing setback/dimensional restrictions for ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units)

○ Increasing height allowance for certain districts to facilitate adding dwelling units

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

• Implementation of 2022 Comprehensive Plan - reviewing proposals for a consultant

• Bangor Housing Study - Started 6/24
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

• Sprinkler systems and heat pumps for multi-family

» Additional Resources

Maine State Housing Authority

Bangor Housing Study

Page updated on 7/9/24