(a)
Uniform numbering system. A uniform system
of numbering properties and principal buildings, as shown on the map
identified by the title "Uniform Number System Map, County of Worcester,"
which is filed in the Department of Emergency Services, is hereby
adopted for use in Worcester County. This map and explanatory matter
thereon is hereby adopted and made a part of this Subtitle.
(b)
Assignment of numbers.
(1)
All properties or parcels of land within the unincorporated
limits of the county shall hereafter be identified by reference to
the uniform numbering system adopted herein, provided further that
all existing numbers of property and buildings not now in conformity
with provisions of this Subtitle shall be changed to conform to the
system adopted herein.
(2)
All numbers shall be assigned by the Department of Emergency
Services on the basis of one number for each fifty feet of frontage
along the roadway. Grid lines, as shown on the property numbering
map, indicate the point at which numbers will change to the next higher
multiple of one hundred, and the range of numbers between grid lines
thereon shall be consistent with the range of numbers as indicated
on said map. All buildings south of west-east roads and west of south-north
roads shall bear odd numbers. All roads running predominantly in a
south-north direction will be numbered as a south-north road. All
roads running predominantly in a west-east direction will be numbered
as a west-east road.
(3)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subtitle, when multiple
buildings have frontage within one or more assigned fifty-foot frontage
areas and under the remaining provisions of this Subtitle each such
building would be assigned a separate number designation but, due
to a limited number of frontage, sufficient numbers are not available,
then all such buildings at that location will be assigned the same
number and each such building will carry a letter designation such
as A, B or C in addition to the assigned number.
(4)
Mobile homes in trailer parks, businesses in shopping centers,
individual apartments in complexes, etc., may be assigned additional
location identifiers in addition to the road address.
(5)
All addresses are based on the location of the main entrance
to the property in relation to the entrance's intersection with the
main roadway.
(6)
The Department of Emergency Services shall expeditiously assign
numbers and notify property owners. Property owners shall, as soon
as practical, post numbers. All properties shall be posted within
one year of the date of notification by the Department of Emergency
Services.
(7)
Nothing herein shall prohibit the inclusion by a property owner
of additional information in an address not tending to confuse identification
of the premises. Such information need not be included in the uniform
numbering system by the Department of Emergency Services.
(c)
Location of numbers.
(1)
When each house or building has been assigned its respective
address, the owner, occupant or agent shall place or cause to be placed
upon each house or building controlled by him the number or numbers
assigned under the uniform addressing system as provided in this Subtitle.
(2)
Such numbers shall be placed on existing buildings on or before
the effective date of this Subtitle and within twenty days after the
assignment of the proper number in the case of addresses assigned
after the effective date of this Subtitle. The cost of posting the
address shall be the responsibility of the property owner. Numbers
used shall be at least three inches in height, made of a durable and
clearly visible material and shall be of a contrasting color from
the background.
(3)
The numbers shall be conspicuously placed immediately above,
on or at the side of the proper door for each building in order that
the numbers can be seen plainly from the roadway. Whenever any building
is more than seventy-five feet from the roadway or whenever the numbers
on the building are not plainly visible from the roadway, the address
numbers must be placed at the main entrance or driveway of the building,
on the same side of the roadway as the building and in such a manner
as to be seen clearly from the roadway.
(d)
Administration.
(1)
Grid maps of all streets, avenues, roads, public ways and private
ways within the county showing the proper numbers of all structures
fronting upon the public or private lanes shall be kept on file in
the Department of Emergency Services. These grid maps shall be open
to inspection by appointment with the Department of Emergency Services.
(2)
It shall be the duty of the Department of Emergency Services
to inform any party applying for the address belonging to or embraced
within the limits of any said lot or property as provided in this
Subtitle. In case of conflict as to the proper number to be assigned
to any building, the Department of Emergency Services shall determine
the number of such building.
(3)
Whenever any house, building or structure shall be erected or
located after the establishment of the uniform addressing system of
numbering provided for herein has been completed, it shall be the
duty of the property owner to procure the correct number or numbers
as designated by the Department of Emergency Services for said property
and to fasten said number or numbers assigned upon said building as
provided by this Subtitle. Once a building permit is received by the
Department of Emergency Services from the Department of Planning,
Permits and Inspections, the Department of Emergency Services shall
have thirty days to establish an address for that structure for which
the building permit has been issued.
(e)
Provisions for the naming of private lanes. All private lanes which have three or more inhabitable structures,
including houses, mobile homes, businesses or other structures, will
be named by the County Commissioners. A sign will be erected which
is compatible with the public roads signs currently in use by the
Department of Public Works - Roads Division but of a contrasting color.
It will be the responsibility of the Department of Public Works -
Roads Division to erect said sign according to its specifications.
[Amended 4-20-1999 by Bill No. 99-2]
(f)
Applicability. The provisions of this Subtitle
shall be applicable only in those portions of Worcester County which
are not located within the confines of any incorporated area within
the county.
(g)
Violations. Any person failing to comply with
the provisions of this Subtitle shall be guilty of a civil infraction.
Each day of a violation constitutes a separate offense.
