Water Street Storefront Residential Limit

At a glance

• What: A downtown rule barring residential use in the first 30 feet of buildings fronting Water Street south of Commercial Street, paired with repeal of the 2026 residential moratorium in Kennebec Business District 1.
• Where it stands: Passed 7 to 0 on August 20, 2026.
• Next: In effect; the April 2, 2026 moratorium is repealed.

Order 26-125

The Planning Board found that active storefronts on Water Street are central to downtown vitality and the Comprehensive Plan, while residential use elsewhere in downtown buildings is equally important. The ordinance adds that residential land uses are not permitted within 30 feet of the street-level face of buildings fronting Water Street south of the Commercial Street intersection, and repeals the Moratorium Ordinance on Residential Development Within Kennebec Business District 1 enacted April 2, 2026.

Motion for passage by Councilor Lind, seconded by Councilor Austin, 7 to 0. First read August 6.

Sources

• City Council business meeting minutes, August 6, 2026: https://www.augustamaine.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08062026-95
• City Council business meeting minutes, August 20, 2026: https://www.augustamaine.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08202026-94

Log

2026-08-20 - City Council

Second read, passed 7 to 0.

2026-08-06 - City Council

First read, no vote required.