Bangor Planning Board reviews proposed changes to temporary sales ordinance

The Bangor Planning Board held a workshop to discuss proposed amendments to the temporary sales ordinance, which aim to allow seasonal food and merchandise sales in more commercial zones. Staff presented the changes, which include removing extra parking requirements and increasing allowable floor area, while board members discussed the impact on local vendors. The board indicated support for the proposal, with staff planning to bring the formal amendment to a vote at the June meeting.

Key points

• Staff proposed allowing seasonal food and merchandise sales in all commercial zones and the neighborhood service district, limited to two units per lot.
• The proposal includes removing the requirement for five additional parking spaces and increasing the maximum floor area from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet in main commercial zones.
• Board member Janet Sanborn Jonas expressed strong support, noting the changes would help vendors transition from food trucks to brick-and-mortar businesses.
• The board clarified that mobile vendors like ice cream trucks that do not remain on a lot for extended periods are not affected by the ordinance.
• Staff noted that the proposal also covers merchandise sales, not just food, and would prohibit drive-through service.

Next steps

• Staff will continue drafting the temporary sales ordinance amendment for a formal vote at the June Planning Board meeting.
• Staff will continue reviewing the new land development code, with a goal to submit state modifications before the extended July deadline.

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