Bangor Planning Board approves zone change for The Rock Church, code updates

The Bangor Planning Board unanimously voted to recommend a zone change for The Rock Church's property on Ohio Street and approved two amendments to the Land Development Code. Staff also presented a first round of draft changes to comply with new state housing laws, including updates to ADU rules and parking requirements.

Key points

• The board voted 7-0 to recommend rezoning a six-acre parcel on Ohio Street from Rural Residential and Agricultural to Government and Institutional Service District for The Rock Church.
• The board approved an amendment to remove parking buffer requirements for lots adjacent to Government and Institutional Service District zones, with exceptions for residential, cemetery, or school uses.
• A second amendment was approved to correct a clerical error by removing State Street from the minor arterial street definition.
• Staff presented draft changes to comply with new state laws, including allowing four units on 5,000 square foot lots in certain zones and permitting mixed commercial-residential uses by right in the Urban Service District.
• The board discussed a proposal to allow tiny homes on smaller lots, with staff planning to bring back official language for further review.

Next steps

• The zone change and code amendments will be presented to the City Council at its next meeting for final approval.
• Staff will present the draft state law compliance changes to the Business Development Committee and City Council for feedback.
• Staff will prepare official language for the tiny home lot size proposal for future board review.

Read the full transcript