8388_LGP_MechanicFalls_2022AnnualReport_Web

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Code Enforcement 2022 Hello, residents of Mechanic Falls. My name is Ryan Smith, and I’m your new code enforcement officer as of May of 2022. I come from a background of general contracting, carpentry, and finance. My wife and I have two children, both boys, and reside in Auburn. Since my arrival in Mechanic Falls, we’ve made a lot of forward progress with various ongoing issues around town, in addition to making favorable changes to our land use ordinance. As a part of this annual report, I’d like to inform residents of what’s been going on, along with giving an outlook on what’s to come! Land Use Ordinance Changes On March 6, 2023, the council voted to approve changing the road frontage requirement around town to 100’ per principal use . What does this mean for you? This means you now have more flexibility if you own property in Mechanic Falls . Most zones used to require 200-250’ of road frontage. Now, you can split a parcel of land off of your own land if you would like to sell it for extra money, gift it to family members so they can build next to you, or split off land to build your very own rental property or business. If you are interested in what uses are allowed on your land, please reach out to me and I’d be happy to discuss this with you. In the near future, the state of Maine is passing new legislature called LD2003 . I’ve been tracking this law through the rulemaking process, and the planning board will be taking on changing local ordinances to comply with the new rules put forth by the state. I love a good code or land use conversation, so come on over if you’d like to learn more about these upcoming required changes. Speaking of boards, we are in need of Board of Appeals members and Planning Board alternate members ! The Board of Appeals meets on an as-needed basis, which normally amounts to once or less per year. It’s a very necessary part of the due process aspect of our community. The planning board meets monthly (or less!) to review new developments coming to town and new businesses that want to set up shop in Mechanic Falls. If either of these boards sound of interest to you, please reach out to me for more information .

Code Office Statistics for 2022 Building Permits – 47 Internal Plumbing Permits – 23 External (Septic) Plumbing Permits – 10

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