The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen will consider whether to place a property maintenance ordinance before residents at annual town meeting.
The ordinance would give the town the authority, through the code enforcement officer and the selectmen, to require property owners to maintain their land “free of unsafe or unsanitary conditions.”
The ordinance language specifically addresses garbage, scrap lumber or metal, tires and junk appliances, furniture and vehicles.
It provides exceptions for town-approved and licensed auto repair shops and junkyards.
The code enforcement officer would notify in writing anyone violating the ordinance. Should residents approve, the selectmen would have broad authority, including seeking injunctions and levying “appropriate and necessary” fines, to enforce the ordinance.
The ordinance allows for temporary exceptions in “hardship or extenuating circumstances” at the discretion of the code enforcement officer.
The ordinance aims to “protect public health, public safety and… prevent nuisance conditions,” according to the “purpose” section.
The Damariscotta Planning Board expressed general support for the draft ordinance after reviewing it at their Dec. 3 meeting. The board voted 3-0 to forward it to the selectmen for a decision.
The board also approved a resolution supporting the town’s application for a Department of Conservation grant for “design and construction of a pedestrian-only walkway” at Taco Alley.
Improvements to the alley would include resurfacing of the alley with brick or concrete pavers, landscaping and a Main Street marquee designating the alley as the entrance to the Damariscotta-Newcastle waterfront.
