Maine Real Estate License Practice Exam

When planning to build a shopping mall in Scarborough, what approvals will Adam Sandring need?

1. The municipality

2. The municipality and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

3. The municipality and the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC)

4. The municipality, DEP, and LUPC

The correct answer is: The municipality and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

In order to build a shopping mall in Scarborough, Adam Sandring would indeed require approval from both the municipality and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The municipality is essential because local government bodies are responsible for zoning laws, land use regulations, and ensuring that the proposed development complies with community plans and standards. Without municipal approval, the project cannot legally proceed as it may violate local ordinances or land use designs. Moreover, the involvement of the Department of Environmental Protection is significant as any large-scale development can have substantial environmental impacts. The DEP assesses potential environmental concerns that may arise from such construction, including land disturbance, stormwater management, and effects on local ecosystems. Their approval ensures that the development aligns with state environmental regulations. While the Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) certainly plays an important role in managing land use in certain jurisdictions, especially in unincorporated areas and state-designated regions, their involvement is not typically required in Scarborough, which is a municipality that has its own land use authority. Hence, only the municipality and the DEP are necessary in this scenario.