Public Hearing Notice - Proposed Land Use Ordinance Amendments

Public Hearing Notice

Proposed Land Use Ordinance Amendments

The Durham Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Land Use Ordinance. These changes are intended to improve clarity, ensure consistency, and align local regulations with Maine State law.

Hearing Details

• Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Location: Durham Fire Station, 615 Hallowell Road, Durham, Maine 04222

Why Attend?

The Select Board has endorsed these amendments for consideration at the June 2026 Town Meeting. Following this hearing, the Planning Board will make final recommendations to the Select Board. The Select Board will then make a final decision on the draft on April 14, 2026. After April 14th , no further changes can be made to the articles before the Town Meeting on Saturday, June 13th. This hearing is your last opportunity to provide input and influence the final language.

Summary of Proposed Amendments

Proposed Minor Policy Changes 

• Back Lots & Private Ways: Streamlines the review process for private ways serving multiple lots and reduces the required driveway width for single back lots from 20 feet to 16 feet. 
• Expansion of Nonconforming Structures: Simplifies standards for residential expansions. 
• Subdivision Road Buffers: Grants the Planning Board discretion to require vegetative buffers when new subdivision roads abut existing homes. 
• Fire Protection Water Supply: Eliminates water storage cisterns as an option, while allowing fire ponds, existing water sources, or residential sprinklers in subdivisions. 
• Cannabis Cultivation Facilities: Establishes clear definitions and prohibits certain aggregated growing operations exempt from State permitting.
• Affordable Housing & Accessory Apartments: Brings local standards into compliance with State law regarding tiny homes, stand-alone accessory apartments, and mobile home placement. 
• Definition of Road Frontage: Clarifies how road frontage is determined for lots with curves, turnarounds, and corner lots. 

Proposed Administrative Changes 

• Infrastructure Standards: Updates design standards for subdivision roads and driveways for safety and engineering accuracy, including adopting MDOT sight distance standards. 
• Zoning Boundary Interpretation: Assigns authority for interpreting zoning boundaries to the Planning Board. 
• Solid Waste Management: Requires “readiness-to-serve” letters or internal collection plans for new subdivisions. 
• Campground Reviews: Reduces the scope of Planning Board reviews to avoid duplicating State permitting requirements. 
• Submission Requirements: Adjusts application deadlines, reduces required printed copies, and adds detailed requirements for Conditional Use submissions. 
• Ordinance Corrections: Delegates authority to the Select Board for non-substantive text corrections. 
• Tax Compliance: Requires proof of property tax payment for all Planning Board applications. 

VIEW THE DRAFT: Full documents are available for review. Click here.

Can’t attend the meeting?  Written comments may also be submitted to the Town Planner in advance of the March 18th hearing.