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LD 319

An Act To Allow Residential Housing On Church Property Located In Commercial Zones

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Traci Gere

Allows residential housing on church-owned land located in commercial zones, expanding housing options near shops and offices.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#churchproperty #construction #housing
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Bill Summary · LD 319

LD 319 — An Act To Allow Residential Housing On Church Property Located In Commercial Zones

What the bill would do

  • The bill proposes to permit residential housing on property owned by a church when that property is located within a commercial zoning district. In other words, it would authorize a residential use on church-owned land that sits in an area zoned for commercial activity.

Key provisions and changes (as stated)

  • Core change: Allow residential housing on church property located in commercial zones.
  • Scope and specificity: The available material does not include the full statutory language, so specific requirements (e.g., density, parking, setbacks, occupancy limits, or compatibility standards) are not detailed in the provided summary.
  • Fiscal note status: The Fiscal Note accompanying the bill is labeled as a Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement, described as a Concept Draft with “insufficient data.” No formal fiscal note was required at the time.
  • Sponsor and committee: Sponsored by Rep. Gere of Kennebunkport; referred to the Committee on Housing and Economic Development.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Churches that own property within commercial zoning districts could pursue residential housing on their land.
  • Secondary: Local governments (zoning bodies) tasked with applying or approving land-use changes, adjacent property owners, and potential residents who might live on church property adjacent to commercial areas.

Fiscal and procedural context

  • Fiscal impact: Based on the preliminary note, there is insufficient data to quantify costs or savings; no formal fiscal note was required for the original draft.
  • Legislative history:
    • Introduced: January 30, 2025
    • Referred to: Committee on Housing and Economic Development
    • Work session: May 16, 2025
    • Voted ONTP (Ought Not To Pass): May 16, 2025
    • Reported OUT ONTP: May 22, 2025
    • Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) under Joint Rule 310.3: May 27, 2025
    • Earlier, carried over to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, per Joint Order SP 519 (action dated March 21, 2025)
  • Status: DEAD in the current legislative file; the measure did not advance to enactment during this session.

Potential implications if enacted

  • Acknowledging only the stated intent, allowing residential housing on church property in commercial zones could:
    • Expand available housing options near commercial districts.
    • Create new land-use pathways for churches to repurpose or develop on underutilized property.
    • Raise questions about zoning compatibility, parking, traffic, and neighborhood character that would need to be addressed in local ordinances or state provisions.
    • Implicate permitting processes, building codes, and occupancy regulations appropriate to residential use on non-traditional sites.

Bottom line

LD 319 aims to authorize residential housing on church-owned property located in commercial zones. While the concept received initial consideration, it did not advance in the Legislature and is currently listed as DEAD for the 132nd Legislature. The accompanying fiscal note indicates limited data, reflecting the preliminary nature of the proposal.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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