New changes to town subdivision, building laws prompt special meeting

NEWRY — Officials in this western Maine town are once again trying to require subdivision developers to install either sprinkler systems, fire cisterns or fire ponds to meet residential fire protection needs.

They're also overhauling town regulations governing subdivisions, on which town planners base their findings, Newry Administrator Loretta Powers says.

Selectmen will hold a special town meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, to vote on an ordinance amending the Unified Development Review Ordinance and an ordinance to amend the Building Code Ordinance.

Both amendments better define each existing ordinance and include new language about sprinkler systems.

The building code amendment also ensures that the construction and installation of chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel-burning appliances must comply with national fire protection regulations.

It also significantly increases the fines for violating any provision of the Building Code Ordinance from not more than $100 to fines of between $100 and $2,500 for each offense.

Additionally, new language is included to address appeals, which can be taken to the Board of Appeals by an aggrieved party from any decision of the building inspector, except enforcement-related matters.

New specific dimensional requirements are included in an appendix for all lots, structures and uses.

Powers said a new section on fire suppression and residential life safety is proposed for the Unified Developed Review Ordinance under Section 13.

Copies of the proposed changes are available at the Town Office and electronically.

In other news, selectmen are reviewing wind farm ordinances established by other Maine towns to determine whether Newry should create such regulations.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com