Code Enforcement
To contact the Code Enforcement Officer:
Colleen Chadwick
tel:(207)350-6852
ceo@sbristolme.gov
State of Maine Code Enforcement
Municipal code enforcement in Maine dates back to 1954 when the Legislature passed a requirement for an “inspector of buildings.” Since 1973, the State’s Shoreland Zoning Act has assigned primary responsibility for enforcement to local code enforcement officers. Local permitting and inspection under Maine’s plumbing rules have been a requirement for a much longer time.
Maine’s 1988 Growth Management Act encourages municipalities to plan for orderly growth and development in a way that makes efficient use of public services, protects natural resources, and prevents sprawl. Requirements for the training and certification of municipal code enforcement officers are a part of this Act. The purpose of the training and certification program is to build and strengthen local capacity to administer and enforce new and existing ordinances. As a result of this emphasis, code enforcement has become more uniform across the State, to the benefit of municipalities and their residents.
Coordinated management and administration of local ordinances and state statutes helps reduce municipal liability associated with enforcement. Insurance companies and mortgage lenders are more willing to approve applications when regulations are enforced uniformly. Correct administration of floodplain management ordinances assures continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Effective administration and enforcement of building codes and standards may yield municipalities a higher rating by the Insurance Services Organization. Efficient and predictable review, permitting, and inspection procedures accommodate local economic development programs.
South Bristol Code Enforcement
The Shoreland Zoning Act, 38 MRSA, Section 435-449 requires all municipalities to adopt, administer, and enforce ordinances which regulate land use activities within 250 feet of great ponds, rivers, freshwater and coastal wetlands, and tidal waters; and within 75 feet of streams as 6 defined. A code enforcement officer must be appointed in each municipality to assist with administration and enforcement of the locally-adopted shoreland zoning ordinance.
Municipalities must adopt a shoreland zoning ordinance and must appoint a code enforcement officer, in accordance with 38 MRSA §435-447. Municipalities may adopt land use regulations other than shoreland zoning in accordance with 30-A MRSA §3001-3003, Ordinance Authority and Limitations; and 30-A MRSA §4301-4469, Planning and Land Use Regulation Law. Individuals who have been appointed by a municipality to enforce any municipal land use ordinances enacted to implement a comprehensive plan, or specifically authorized to enforce other miscellaneous land use ordinances or rules, are recognized as CEO/Land Use Officers.
Individuals having the responsibility to enforce these nine (9) ordinances in the Town of South Bristol, by municipal appointment, are recognized as Code Enforcement Officer, Plumbing Inspector, and the Planning Board.