Bangor committee approves farm stand and storage code changes, cultural grants

The Business and Economic Development Committee approved proposed code amendments to create a new accessory use for small-scale farm stands and to modify temporary storage regulations. The committee also reviewed the Community Development Block Grant consolidated plan and approved spring cultural grant recommendations for local arts organizations.

Key points

• Committee voted 5-0 to approve a new accessory use for farm stands of 200 square feet or less, exempting them from land development permits and paving requirements.
• Councilors discussed excluding value-added products like beer and jam from the farm stand definition to avoid liability and licensing issues, deciding to keep the amendment limited to raw crops.
• The committee voted 5-0 to amend the temporary storage ordinance, adding a seasonal storage use limited to 180 days and changing approval from the Board of Appeals to a certificate of occupancy.
• Staff reported that the public comment period for the consolidated plan has been extended to June 20, with a final recommendation expected on June 8.
• The committee approved spring cultural grants totaling $8,995.60 for six applicants, including Bangor Ballet, Bangor Beautiful, and the Bangor Historical Society.
• The committee voted 5-0 to recommend extending the Bangor Housing Authority's option for property on Main Avenue for 90 days.

Next steps

• Staff will review the farm stand amendment for potential conflicts with state food sovereignty laws.
• The consolidated plan will return to full council on June 22 for final approval.
• High school students involved in the consolidated plan survey will present their findings to the council.

Read the full transcript