A new state law bars local jurisdictions from restricting ADUs in residential areas.
A new state law in Maine will streamline regulations for accessory dwelling units and bar municipalities from restricting them in residential areas, reports Chris Costa for News Center Maine.
According to Costa, “LD 1829 encourages new construction of accessory dwelling units, known as ‘ADUs,’ by pulling back zoning restrictions that differ widely from town to town and setting new statewide standards, including allowing three dwelling units on every lot.”
The law required cities to allow at least four units per lot in “designated growth areas” and reduces minimum lot sizes for ADUs. It also prohibits cities from imposing stricter height limits, setbacks, and other dimensional standards for ADUs than for single-family homes and does not require owners to occupy one of the units.
ADU builders say the standardized rules help reduce the cost of construction, allowing them to plan for similar designs and regulations across the state.
Read the full story: Maine housing crisis gets boost with expansion of accessory dwelling units
Florida Senate Advances Law Allowing ADUs in All Residential Zones
The law would legalize ‘granny flats’ by-right in single-family zoned neighborhoods.
Massachusetts Zoning Reform Sparks ADU Surge
A 2024 law and a 2025 assistance program have spurred a flurry of ADU projects across the state.
Arizona Legalizes ADUs and Higher Downtown Density Statewide
Two new laws require cities to permit ‘missing middle housing’ near city centers and ADUs on all single-family lots.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority