Speaker Fecteau Introduces Bill to Encourage Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units

LD 1272 would unlock financing for homeowners and expand the market

AUGUSTA – Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau (D-Biddeford) this week introduced a bill (LD 1272) that would help make the construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) a financial possibility for homeowners across Maine.

“LD 1272 is a follow-up to LD 2003, the landmark housing bill we passed in 2022,” said Speaker Ryan Fecteau. “The goal of LD 2003 was to expand ADU potential across the state, and since the law was passed we have had the opportunity to see how these reforms are working on the ground. This proposal includes refinements that will make it more likely for a homeowner to have the means, or access to financing, to build an ADU.”

LD 1272 proposes to create more pathways for ADU construction by clarifying how many ADUs can be built on a property, removing owner-occupancy requirements, allowing ADUs to be condominiumized, updating sprinkler requirements, and making minor updates to subdivision law.

“These changes will make administering the law more straightforward for municipalities, and will help homeowners unlock the additional financing they need to be able to build an ADU on their property,” said Speaker Fecteau.

Organizations representing older Mainers, realtors, and developers of ADUs shared strong support for the proposal:

“AARP has long supported legislation and policies to develop ADUs. We believe that ADUs are a common-sense way to address the housing crisis while helping homeowners with more affordable and creative options to address social isolation, financial insecurity, and caregiving challenges. Housing is one of the eight domains of livability that directly impact the well-being of older adults. ADUs are a livable community feature that can have a lasting, positive impact on the community,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director.

“LD 1272 addresses a critical component of the housing shortage: laws that inhibit housing development. MAR has been an advocate for ADUs as a housing choice and continues to support proposals that reduce regulatory burdens that add to the cost of housing or deter development,” said Jeff Harris, 2025 President of the Maine Association of REALTORS®. “This new law would help to address Maine’s housing needs by updating requirements that have proven to be roadblocks in the creation of ADUs as a housing choice across our state.”

"ADUs are one of the most affordable, equitable, and green ways we can build new housing in the state,” said Liz Trice, Director of Policy and Partnerships at Backyard ADUs. “LD1272 will help remove barriers to building modest homes in existing neighborhoods."

A 2023 report by MaineHousing and the Department of Economic and Community Development found that Maine needs to create at least 84,000 new units of housing by 2030.

The Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.

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