BANGOR, Maine — After long discussion, the Bangor City Council will now increase the city’s allowance to implement boarding houses.
An ordinance passed Monday night will allow a number of boarding houses to open on major roads such as Hammond Street, Union Street, and Broadway.
Boarding houses typically have shared living spaces and kitchens, with separate bedrooms to rent – a step to create options for those looking for affordable housing.
“They have become very popular development tools to provide affordable living for people fresh out of school or elderly as an option to have individual dwelling units,” said Bangor Planning Officer Anne Krieg.
Boarding houses looking to open will be have to meet certain building codes, as well as get conditional use permits.
"There's still a lot more work to be done,” said Krieg. “We're still trying to create an environment where a developer or property owner has options of developing their property, of creating units in these downtown residential neighborhoods.”