Tools for towns working to protect their communities and plan for change.
Communities across Maine are facing questions about energy infrastructure, large-scale development, and the long-term effects these projects may have on local roads, property, the environment, and the character of their towns.
Preserve Rural Maine is gathering ordinances and planning resources from Maine towns to help residents and municipal officials explore their options, learn from one another, and identify issues worth considering before making local decisions.
These resources are provided for research and reference. Each town must evaluate its own needs, circumstances, and legal authority.
Explore the resources
Choose a topic to find ordinance examples, planning considerations, and questions to discuss in your community.
Electric Transmission Lines
Examples of municipal ordinances addressing transmission facilities and corridors, with considerations for siting, construction, roads, nearby properties, and long-term impacts.
Explore transmission resources →
Solar Energy Development
Ordinance examples and questions about site selection, setbacks, drainage, screening, farmland, and decommissioning.
Resource page planned
Wind Energy Development
Considerations for noise, lighting, setbacks, shadow flicker, construction, and surrounding properties.
Resource page planned
Data Centers
Planning questions related to electricity demand, water use, cooling systems, noise, backup generators, and infrastructure.
Resource page planned
Additional Topics
We will expand this library as new development proposals and community concerns arise.
More resources will be added