The purpose of this chapter is to establish an official street naming
and house numbering method for the Town of Madison that will provide an actual
physical location, in conformity of address, between local property tax maps,
mailing and other delivery services, enhanced 911 telephone system, and to
assist in providing emergency services. This chapter is adopted pursuant to
30-A M.R.S.A. § 3001 for the purpose of protecting public health,
safety and welfare.
This chapter shall apply to any street, building or vacant lot in the
Town of Madison. It shall apply to any street, building or vacant lot as shown
on map titled "Town of Madison; Existing Land Use; Revised November 7, 1995,"
or as subsequently amended by the Board of Selectmen as provided in this chapter.
The Board of Selectmen or its designee shall have the sole authorization
to assign street numbers to any building or vacant lot within the boundary
lines of the Town of Madison. That number shall be the official address used
for property identification on Town records.
Upon written notification to do so from the Board of Selectmen or its
designee, the owner or occupant of any dwelling or business shall, within
30 days, cause to be affixed to such dwelling or business the designated number.
The number shall be of reflective material, not less than three inches in
height, and placed on the building in such a manner as to be plainly visible
and legible from the street or to a person approaching from the street. Where
the building is placed at such a distance from the street or road that a number
placed on it is not visible, the number shall be placed on a post or other
suitable object in such a manner as to be visible from the street. During
the initial phase of numbering, the Town will provide appropriate numbers
to all owners or occupants of record, and thereafter as the supply lasts.
Subsequent numbers, whether for new structures or replacements, shall be purchased
by the owner or occupant but must conform in size and reflectivity. Any person
who neglects or refuses to number such structure or erects a number other
than that assigned shall cause the proper number to be affixed at the expense
of the owner or occupant.
The Board of Selectmen or its designee shall have the sole authorization
to provide the name of a new street that is to be maintained by the Town of
Madison. However, a subdivision street will also be subject to approval by
the Planning Board.
All private roads or ways, serving two or more numbered structures or
providing access to other privately owned ways, shall be named, approved by
the Selectmen or designee, and a sign that conforms with municipal sign erected
bearing that name. The expense of the sign shall be borne by the owner of
the property underlying the private road or way. Failure to erect such sign
shall cause the proper sign to be erected at the expense of the owner.
The Code Enforcement Officer of the Town of Madison shall have the responsibility
of enforcing this chapter. The Town does not wish, however, to impose fines
for violations of this chapter. The numbering system will assist the Town
in providing services, and failure to comply may make it more difficult to
do so. The Town could impose a $10 fine for each day that the resident does
not comply with this chapter.
Any persons aggrieved by a decision of the Code Enforcement Officer
in the administration or enforcement of this chapter may appeal that decision
to the Town of Madison Board of Appeals at any time within 30 days of notification
of violation, by informing the Town Clerk, in writing, of said appeal.
Should any section or provision of this chapter be declared by the courts
to be invalid, such decision shall not invalidate any other section or provision
of this chapter.
This chapter shall become effective immediately upon adoption by vote
of the municipal legislative body.