FARMINGTON – The animal control ordinance passed without opposition at the special town meeting Monday night.

The ordinance requires all able residents to clean up after their pooches. Those who are physically incapable will be exempt.

Complaints about violations will be reported to police, who will prosecute when applicable.

When asked how guilt will be determined, Town Manager Richard Davis quipped, “I don’t think we will get into DNA evidence.”

Fines for offenses will range from $30 to $100. Selectmen expect that dog owners will voluntarily comply.

An ordinance restricting building and business owners from building or renovating facades in the historic district that do not compliment “the predominant visual character and quality exhibited by the existing buildings in this district” was passed as was a similar sign ordinance.

One attendee wanted to know who would make the decisions on facade and sign designs under the ordinance.

Steve Kaiser, code enforcement officer, said it would be up to the Planning Board or selectmen.

The intent is that any facade changes would be approved by the Planning Board before an owner puts funds toward renovation or building. The concern is for projects that would not, by nature, trigger a site review. These would go before the Board of Selectmen, Kaiser said.

“We should use this ordinance judiciously,” he said.

The Village Business Historic District is bounded by Anson and Park streets on the north, Academy Street on the south, High Street on the east and Front Street on the west.

The meeting was done in less than a half hour and moderated by Paul Mills.

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