Land Use Regulation Commission Initiates Recreational Lodging Facilities Rule Review

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission, under the Maine Department of Conservation, has begun a process to review and evaluate how recreational lodging facilities are classified and permitted in the unorganized areas of Maine.Public meetings are tentatively being scheduled for later this summer to allow Maine residents and business people to provide input on the matter. The review is expected to lead to improved and streamlined permitting as well possible business expansion for such lodges, an important aspect of Maine's recreation and tourism industry."Recreation is increasingly an economic driver in Maine, particularly in the unorganized areas," Gwen Hilton, LURC Commission chair, said. "The challenge will be to craft revisions to the rules that provide more flexibility and build on the tradition of allowing access for outdoor recreation of all types without sacrificing the natural and remote qualities that make the area special."LURC was created in 1971 to serve as the planning and zoning board for Maine's unorganized areas, coastal islands, and numerous towns and plantations that have elected not to have local land use control. LURC's jurisdiction encompasses approximately 10.4 million acres, roughly half the size of the State of Maine.Over the past several years, LURC commissioners and staff have recognized aspects of the Commission's rules that have not kept pace with the evolving recreational lodging industry. The Commission's statutory purpose and its Comprehensive Land Use Plan both provide significant guidance in support of recreational uses. Policies within the Comprehensive Land Use Plan direct LURC to "Encourage diverse, non-intensive and nonexclusive use of recreational resources" and "Accommodate a range of recreational uses and facilities in appropriate locations, based on the level of use, size, scale and compatibility with existing recreational and non-recreational uses."Recreational lodging facilities range from resorts to remote rental cabins, and include bed-and-breakfast establishments, commercial sporting camps and campgrounds among others. There are hundreds of such facilities in LURC's area of jurisdiction.An example of one area in need of updating involves commercial sporting camps, which are a long-time traditional use in the north woods. Under LURC's current rules, these camps are by definition limited to not more than 10,000 square feet of floor area. While that limit was viewed as appropriate when adopted many years ago, camp owners face higher demand for more on-site amenities and more square footage per client. This trend appears to be true for other types of lodging facilities as well.Public meetings are tentatively planned for later this summer, during which participants will have an opportunity to contribute to the discussion. Anyone who would like to participate in this effort or be added to a list of interested parties can email LURC at lurc@maine.gov (put "Recreational Lodging" in the subject line) or call the LURC office in Augusta at (207) 287-2631.Further questions about the recreational lodging facilities rule-making process can be directed to Tim Beaucage, LURC senior planner, at 287-4894 or by email at timothy.beaucage@maine.gov.For more information on meeting notices or to view related materials, go to: ###