§5245. Findings and declaration of necessity 1. Legislative finding. The Legislature finds that there is a need for the development of affordable, livable housing and the containment of the costs of unplanned growth in Maine municipalities. [PL 2003, c. 426, §1 (NEW).] 2. Authorization. For the reasons set out in subsection 1, a municipality […]
§5246. Definitions As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2003, c. 426, §1 (NEW).] 1. Affordable housing. “Affordable housing” means a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling, apartment or other living accommodation for a household whose income does not exceed 120% of the median […]
§5247. Affordable housing development districts 1. Creation. A municipal legislative body may designate an affordable housing development district within the boundaries of the municipality in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter. If the municipality has a charter, the designation of an affordable housing development district may not be in conflict with the provisions of […]
§5248. Affordable housing development programs 1. Adoption. The legislative body of a municipality shall adopt an affordable housing development program for each affordable housing development district. The affordable housing development program must be adopted at the same time as the district as part of the district adoption proceedings or, if at a different time, in […]
§5249. Project costs 1. Authorized project costs. The director shall review proposed project costs to ensure compliance with this subsection. Authorized project costs are: A. Costs of improvements made within the affordable housing development district, including, but not limited to: (1) Capital costs, including, but not limited to: (a) The acquisition of […]
§5250-A. Affordable housing tax increment financing 1. Designation of captured assessed value. A municipality may retain all or part of the tax increment revenues generated from the increased assessed value of an affordable housing development district for the purpose of financing the affordable housing development program. The amount of tax increment revenues to be retained […]
§5250-B. Rules The director may adopt rules necessary to carry out the duties imposed by this subchapter and to ensure municipal compliance with this subchapter following designation of an affordable housing development district. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A. [PL 2003, […]
§5250-C. Grants A municipality may receive grants or gifts for any of the purposes of this subchapter. The tax increment revenues within an affordable housing development district may be used as the local match for certain grant programs. [PL 2003, c. 426, §1 (NEW).] SECTION HISTORY PL 2003, c. 426, §1 (NEW).
§5250-D. Bond financing The legislative body of a municipality may authorize, issue and sell bonds, including but not limited to general obligation or revenue bonds or notes, that mature within 30 years from the date of issue to finance all project costs needed to carry out the affordable housing development program within the affordable housing […]
§5250-E. Administration 1. Reports. The legislative body of a municipality must report annually to the director regarding the status of an affordable housing development district. The report must: A. Certify that the public purpose of the affordable housing district, as outlined in this subchapter, is being met; [PL 2003, c. 426, §1 (NEW).] […]
§5250-F. Advisory board The legislative body of a municipality may create an advisory board, a majority of whose members must be owners or occupants of real property located in or adjacent to the affordable housing development district they serve. The advisory board shall advise the legislative body on the planning and implementation of the affordable […]
§5250-G. Unorganized territory For the purposes of this subchapter, a county may act as a municipality for the unorganized territory within the county and may designate affordable housing development districts within the unorganized territory. When a county acts under this section, the county commissioners act as the municipality and as the municipal legislative body, the […]
§5250. Procedure 1. Notice and hearing. Before designating an affordable housing development district or adopting an affordable housing development program, the municipal legislative body or the municipal legislative body’s designee must hold at least one public hearing on the proposed district. Notice of the hearing must be published at least 10 days before the hearing […]
