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Question 1

1. What type of projects do I need a Building Permit for? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

Under this newly adopted ordinance, as of July 1, 2012, Building Permits will be required from the Skowhegan Code Enforcement Office prior to the start of construction or placement of any of the following: New Residential Construction (one and two family, including modular) New Commercial / Multi Family Construction Renovations Residential Renovations Commercial / Multi Family Garage with foundation Utility Building no foundation Decks Mobile Homes (new or relocated used) Demolition of structures (residential / commercial) Pools (greater than 24 inches deep) ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 2

2. Do I need a plumbing permit? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes, you need to come in to the Code Enforcement Office for either interior or exterior plumbing permits before you begin any plumbing work. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 3

3. Can I do my own plumbing and electrical or do I need to hire a State of Maine Licensed Plumber and Electrician? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes, you can do your own plumbing and electrical work only if the building is your primary residence and you are capable of meeting all Maine State Plumbing and Electrical Codes. If the building is not your primary residence you must hire a State of Maine Licensed Plumber and or Electrician to do the work. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 4

4. How close to my property line can I build? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

In most cases there is a five (5) foot set back from your property line. This excludes subdivisions. If you are building in a subdivision please refer to your subdivision covenants for the set back distance before you begin building. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 5

5. If I am planning a project in a Shoreland Zoning District do I need a permit? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. You need to contact the Code Enforcement Office for any projects within 250 feet of most water bodies. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 6

6. What type of zoning does Skowhegan have? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

Skowhegan has Flood Hazard and Shoreland Zoning, other than these there are currently no residential or commercial zoning districts in the community. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 7

7. What does "subdivision" mean? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

Subdivision means the division of a tract or parcel of land into three or more lots or the placement of three or more structures within any five year period. Please contact the Planning Office with any questions and subdivision applications. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 8

8. Does the Planning Office have copies of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes, please stop by the office to view the flood maps. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 9

9. Where do I need to have smoke detectors in my home? ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Answer

According to the State of Maine Life Safety Code and the Town of Skowhegan Building Code, smoke alarms need to be installed in all sleeping rooms and there also needs to be one on every level of the dwelling unit, including basements. They also need to be installed on the outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. ( Code Enforcement and Planning - Skowhegan )

Question 10

10. Do I need a burning permit to burn debris on my property? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes, Maine law requires a permit, in hand, for open burning of debris. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 11

11. Do I need a burning permit when there is snow on the ground? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. A burning permit is required for open debris burning, year round. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 12

12. Do I need a burning permit to have a campfire on my own property? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

No. A permit is not required to have a campfire on property that you own. However, the fire must be maintained to no larger than a campfire, and the fuel shall be clean wood only, no debris or lawn rakings. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 13

13. Can I burn at any time during the day? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

No, for several reasons. 1.All open burning must stop at midnight. Burning can resume at daybreak. 2.Depending on weather conditions, permits may not be being issued. Permits are not issued when the fire danger class is 3 or above, or when the wind is blowing over 7 mph at the fire station. 3.During the months of April and May, each year, open burning is allowed only after 5:00 PM, until midnight, under favorable weather conditions only. Permits may be issued during the day if there is a steady rain. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 14

14. How do I obtain a burning permit? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Burning permits can be obtained on-line @ www.maineburnpermits.com; free of charge, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 15

15. Can I get a permit for more than one day? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. Burning permits can be issued for up to three consecutive days. However, you will need to call each day to check weather conditions and to receive approval to burn. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 16

16. Can I burn in an incinerator / barrel? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

No. Burning in backyard incinerators / barrels was banned in Maine several years ago. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 17

17. Does the Fire Department conduct inspections of woodstoves and chimneys? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. The fire department will inspect, for code compliance, chimneys, wood stoves, and other solid fuel appliance installations. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 18

18. Will the Fire Department inspect my chimney for cleanliness? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. The fire department can inspect chimneys and provide a determination of whether the chimney needs to be cleaned or not. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 19

19. Will the Fire Department clean my chimney for me? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

No. The fire department does not provide chimney sweep services. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 20

20. Will the Fire Department perform a home fire safety inspection in my home? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. Just contact the Fire Department to schedule a time. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 21

21. Will the Fire Department rescue my cat from a tree? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

No. Rescuing cats from trees can be dangerous to both the rescuer and the animal. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 22

22. Will the Fire Department assist me with proper placement of smoke detectors in my home? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. Contact the Fire Department to schedule an on-site visit for assistance. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 23

23. Does the Fire Department refill, service, or repair fire extinguishers? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

No. We are however, a pick up and drop off point for an area fire extinguisher sales and service company. Extinguishers may be dropped off between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Extinguishers are usually returned within 1 weeks’ time. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 24

24. Will the Fire Department test for carbon monoxide? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. The department has 3 air monitors that can check for carbon monoxide. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 25

25. Does the Skowhegan Fire Department fill swimming pools? ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

No the Skowhegan Fire Department does not fill swimming pools. ( Fire Department - Skowhegan )

Question 26

26. How do I obtain a road opening permit? ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

You will need to see the Road Commissioner to fill out the application for a road opening permit. The office is located at 63 Greenwood Avenue, Skowhegan, Maine. You will need the name and address of the contractor that will be doing the digging in the road, an estimated size of pavement that will need to be removed and the Dig Safe Number (call 811 or 888-DIG-SAFE) prior to completing the application. Once the application is filled out then you deliver it to the Town Clerk's Office for payment. ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Question 27

27. How do I obtain a driveway entrance permit? ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

The Town of Skowhegan has an application form that will need to be filled out prior to construction of your entrance. This application is available at the Highway Department or you can request the application by email . ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Question 28

28. What do I do about a road condition problem? (Pot hole, icy conditions, drifting snow, debris.. etc.) ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

If the problem is an emergency before 7:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. then you should call 911 and during normal business hours / non emergency please call 207-474-6911, or you can email . ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Question 29

29. What do I do about a plugged sewer? ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

First you should ensure that the line from your home to the sewer in the road is not plugged or if the sewerage is coming into your home and you are not running any water at the time then call the Skowhegan Highway Department at 207-474-6911. ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Question 30

30. How do I report damage to any of the bridges in Town? ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Answer

If you detect any damages to the bridges in Town please call 474-6911 and if there is no answer leave a message and a phone number where you can be reached in case we have any questions. ( Highway Department - Skowhegan )

Question 31

31. How do I contact a city/county department? ( Main - Skowhegan )

Answer

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information. ( Main - Skowhegan )

Question 32

32. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions? ( Main - Skowhegan )

Answer

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most. ( Main - Skowhegan )

Question 33

33. How can I contact the Skowhegan Police Department? Where is it located? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

You can reach us at 474-6908. Our mailing address is 225 Water Street, Skowhegan ME 04976. ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 34

34. I want to report something, but it is not an emergency. Who should I call? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

The dispatch center's non-emergency line is 474-6386. ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 35

35. When should I call 911? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

From 911.gov: In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately from any wired or wireless phone. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Examples include: • A fire • A crime, especially if in progress • A car crash, especially if someone is injured • A medical emergency, such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention Important: If you’re not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, officials recommend calling 911 and letting the call-taker determine whether you need emergency help. When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker’s questions, which may include: • The location of the emergency, including the street address • The phone number you are calling from • The nature of the emergency • Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 36

36. What should I do if I witness a crime? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Call 911 immediately. Be observant and make mental notes, including asking yourself: • Are there any weapons involved? • What is the address? • Are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard or scars? • Can you give any clothing description? • How many people are involved? • Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 37

37. How can I get a copy of an accident report? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

You can call our secretary, Monday through Friday, at 474-6908. ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 38

38. I have heard the Concealed Weapon Permit law is changing soon; can I still fill out an application and pay to get a permit? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes, we will continue to process applications and issue concealed firearm permits. ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 39

39. Where can I find the laws pertaining to carrying concealed weapons? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Maine.gov is an excellent resource: Concealed Weapon Permit info ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 40

40. I need to report something, can I print and fill out a statement before I come in to the police department? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes, you can find the statement form here ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 41

41. My business has received a bad check, is there a form I can fill out before coming in to the police department? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes, you can find the bad check form here ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 42

42. I am going on vacation, can I request to have my residence checked periodically by the police? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes; we have the form at the police department, or you can print and fill it out at home before you come in. Security Check Form ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 43

43. I have a registered and insured vehicle I need to have inspected; do I need to let the police department know before I drive it to the inspection station? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Come to the police department with your vehicle’s registration and insurance information. A police officer will gladly issue you a permit so that you can legally drive your motor vehicle to a designated inspection station. The permit only allows you to drive the vehicle to an inspection station and is valid for two days. There is no fee. ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 44

44. Is there a curfew in the town of Skowhegan? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Yes. It is unlawful for anyone under the age of 18 years of age to knowingly remain in or upon any public place between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. The ordinance also applies to minors who may be in a motor vehicle without parental supervision regardless of whether or not it is stopped, parked or mobile. It is also unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly allow or permit a minor to be in violation of this ordinance. ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 45

45. I am receiving phone calls and/or mail that I believe to be scams, what should I do? ( Police - Skowhegan )

Answer

Do not give out any personal information. For learning about scams and how to avoid them, you should visit the Federal Trade Commission website: Federal Trade Commission ( Police - Skowhegan )

Question 46