8355-R5_ML&P_BuxtonAnnualReport_2021-2022_Web

This office brought in a total of $186,213 in revenue during the period of January 1 to December 31, 2022. One of the goals for this year has been getting failing septic systems repaired. Because of the housing market there has been an increase in requests for safety inspections of rental properties which I hope to continue in the coming years. A common violation I am finding in rental properties is that they don’t have the required smoke detectors. Rental properties are required by state law to have a smoke detector in every bedroom, and a carbon / smoke combination detector in each area outside of the bedrooms. Any electrical work in multi-family units is considered commercial wiring and requires a permit from the State of Maine. There has been an increase in people resorting to living in campers the last few years. Buxton’s zoning ordinance doesn’t allow a camper to be used as a residence. They are intended for temporary living for no longer than 90 days. I have noticed in reviewing permits issued and looking in building files that the previous code enforcement officer didn’t require permits for renovations. Any project with a value of more than $1,000 requires a permit according to section 5.5 of the zoning ordinance. With the exception of replacing roofing, siding or direct replacement of windows, all else requires a permit. This is pointed out because it is a change in the way things are done. One purpose of building permits is to document that the construction was done according to building, electric or plumbing codes. Permits require inspections. When the town inspects the project and documents that the work was done to code, it is less likely that an insurance company can make the claim that the work was faulty or unpermitted or uninspected and therefore not covered by their policy. As much as people might not appreciate seeing the code car pulling into their property, the intention of being there is assuredly to help in some way. I do understand, as a property owner myself, that at first glance it can be intrusive. For the most part whatever the result of a visit from the code office, there will be a safer, less likely litigious environment. I am an approachable and understanding person who goes by the book but does so in a respectful way. If it seems like my interpretation of the code is incorrect, I prefer to be questioned and / or shown that it is incorrect over making someone do something that isn’t a code requirement. We are in this safety business together and I look forward to working with all residents in the coming years. Respectfully submitted, Patti McKenna, Code Enforcement Officer

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