SKOWHEGAN — Voters at Monday’s annual town meeting approved measures that will shape development review, homelessness policy, cannabis regulation and long‑term planning in Skowhegan.
Residents first adopted an amended Site Plan Review Ordinance that town officials say will streamline the development approval process. The update eliminates the town’s Staff Review Committee, a group of municipal department heads that previously reviewed development proposals and issued recommendations before projects reached the Planning Board.
Under the new process, applicants must obtain letters of support and comments from relevant municipal officials, including the fire chief, police chief and road commissioner, and submit them as part of the Planning Board’s review.
Town officials said the revised ordinance also simplifies review procedures and consolidates standards for larger development projects, including those exceeding 5,000 square feet.
Voters also approved a Homeless Shelter and Camping Ordinance that creates local regulations for shelters and sets standards for public camping.
The ordinance requires homeless shelters to obtain a municipal license before operating. It also requires operators to conduct background checks on employees and volunteers. In addition, shelters must submit safety and security plans, provide building floor plans and maintain written operating procedures.
The ordinance sets minimum facility standards, including requirements for restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Shelters must maintain adequate lighting, ensure access for emergency vehicles, manage waste properly and keep properties clean and secure.
The ordinance also restricts where shelters may operate. They cannot open within 1,000 feet of a school, a designated safe zone in a recreation area or another shelter unless the Skowhegan Select Board grants an exception.
The ordinance further prohibits camping or sleeping on municipal property when adequate shelter space is available within the town.
In February, Skowhegan Code Enforcement Officer Aaron Crocker cited Shelters by Jesus, which had been operating a homeless shelter out of Trinity Evangelical Free Church, for dozens of building code violations and ordered the organization to install sprinklers, alarms and other safety measures. At the time, the citations warned that the shelter risked closure if it failed to correct the deficiencies.
In May, after the shelter failed to meet the required safety upgrades, the town shut it down.
Skowhegan officials began drafting the ordinance last fall. They modeled it on a similar ordinance in Waterville to address overnight camping in public spaces. Officials said the effort was not directly tied to the town’s recent conflict with the shelter, though the facility — if it reopens — will be subject to the new rules.
Voters also approved a six‑month moratorium on new cannabis‑related development. The moratorium blocks new cannabis businesses, expansions of existing facilities and certain changes of use involving cannabis operations for 180 days after the town meeting.
During that period, the town plans to review its existing regulations, draft potential amendments, hold public hearings and consider a long‑term regulatory framework for cannabis businesses.
Voters also adopted a new comprehensive plan, replacing the version the town approved in 2010. The document, which is more than 250 pages, outlines Skowhegan’s goals for growth and development over the next decade and examines population trends, housing needs, transportation infrastructure, economic development opportunities and environmental resources.
Meeting agendas and minutes are available on the town’s website for those seeking additional information.
