Maine Revised Statutes
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001 (2026)
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As used in this Part, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
1.
Clerk or municipal clerk.
"Clerk" or "municipal clerk" means the clerk of a municipality.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
2.
Cable television company.
"Cable television company" means any person owning, controlling, operating, managing or leasing a cable television system within the State.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
3.
Cable television system.
"Cable television system" means any facility that, in whole or in part, receives directly or indirectly over the air, amplifies or otherwise modifies the signals transmitting programs broadcast by one or more television or radio stations and distributes those signals by wire or cable to subscribing members of the public who pay for that service.
A.
This term does not include:
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
(1)
Any facility that serves fewer than 50 subscribers; or
(2)
Any facility that serves only the residents of one or more apartment dwellings under common ownership, control or management, and commercial establishments located on the premises of the apartment dwellings.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
4.
Federal Government.
"Federal Government" means the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
5.
Funded debt.
"Funded debt" means an obligation for the payment of which some fund is set aside.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
6.
General obligation security.
"General obligation security" means a note, bond or other certificate of indebtedness to the payment of which is pledged the full faith and credit of the issuing body.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
7.
Home rule authority.
"Home rule authority" means the powers granted to municipalities under chapter 111; section 3001; and the Constitution of Maine, Article VIII, Part Second.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
8.
Municipality.
"Municipality" means a city or town, except as provided in chapter 225.
[PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §13 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
9.
Municipal legislative body.
"Municipal legislative body" means:
A.
The town meeting in a town;
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
B.
The city council in a city; or
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
C.
That part of a municipal government that exercises legislative powers under a law or charter.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
10.
Municipal officers.
"Municipal officers" means:
A.
The members of the select board or councillors of a town; or
[PL 2021, c. 275, §21 (AMD).]
B.
The mayor and aldermen or councillors of a city.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[PL 2021, c. 275, §21 (AMD).]
11.
Municipal official.
"Municipal official" means any elected or appointed member of a municipal government.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
12.
Municipal year.
"Municipal year" means a municipality's fiscal year as determined by the municipal officers under section 5651.
[PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. A, §14 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
13.
Open areas.
"Open areas" means any space or area the preservation or restriction of the use of which would:
A.
Maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources;
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
B.
Protect natural streams or water supplies;
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
C.
Promote conservation of swamps, wetlands, beaches or tidal marshes;
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
D.
Enhance the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preserves, nature reservations or sanctuaries or other open areas or open spaces;
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
E.
Affect or enhance public recreation opportunities;
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
F.
Preserve historic sites;
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
G.
Implement the plan of development adopted by the planning commission of any municipality; or
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
H.
Promote orderly urban or suburban development.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
14.
Person.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, firm, organization or other legal entity.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
14-A.
Public sewer or public drain.
"Public sewer" or "public drain" means any sewer or drain constructed or laid by a governmental entity for the use of the public and includes both gravity and pressure mains.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
14-B.
Public drinking water supplier.
"Public drinking water supplier" means a public water supplier as defined by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act that provides drinking water from a source water protection area.
[PL 1999, c. 761, §4 (NEW).]
15.
Real estate.
"Real estate" means land and structures attached to it.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
16.
Resident.
"Resident" and "residence" refer to an individual's place of domicile.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
17.
Sewage.
"Sewage" means the water-carried wastes created in and carried or to be carried away from any structure together with any surface or ground water or household and industrial waste that is present.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
18.
Sewer system.
"Sewer system" includes both sewers and sewage disposal systems and all property, rights, easements and franchises relating to those sewers and sewage disposal systems.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
19.
Sewers.
"Sewers" means and includes mains, pipes and laterals for the reception of sewage and carrying that sewage to an outfall or some part of a sewage disposal system, including pumping stations.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
20.
Sinking fund.
"Sinking fund" means a fund created for the purpose of paying a debt.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
20-A.
Source water protection area.
"Source water protection area" means an area that contributes recharge water to a surface water intake or public water supply well for a public drinking water supply. In order to qualify as a "source water protection area," the area must be identified and mapped by the Department of Health and Human Services, and that information must be given to the municipality in which the source water protection area is located.
[PL 1999, c. 761, §4 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).]
21.
Voter.
"Voter" means a person registered to vote.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1987, c. 737, §§A2,C106 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 104, §§A13,14,C8, C10 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 761, §4 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV). PL 2021, c. 275, §21 (AMD).
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 9
cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1998–2021 · leading case: Fair Elections Portland, Inc. v. City of Portland, 2021 ME 32, 252 A.3d 504.
Fair Elections Portland, Inc. v. City of Portland, 2021 ME 32, 252 A.3d 504. “§§ 2102(1)-(2), 2104(1)-(2); see 30-A M.R.S. § 2001(10) (2021). For the voter-initiated process, the first step is for any five voters of the municipality to file an affidavit with the municipal clerk setting forth their proposal, stating that they constitute a “petitioners’…”
Friends of Lincoln Lakes v. Town of Lincoln, 2010 ME 78, 2 A.3d 284. “” 30-A M.R.S. § 2001(14) (2009). “[T]he question of whether a party has standing to bring an administrative appeal depends on the language of the governing ordinance.”
Quintal v. City of Hallowell, 2008 ME 155, 956 A.2d 88. “” Title 30-A M.R.S. § 2001(10)(B) (2007) defines municipal officers as "[t]he mayor and alderman or councilors of a city.”
Farris v. Poore, 841 F. Supp. 2d 436 (D. Me. 2012). “” Title 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2001(10) defines “municipal officers” as ”[t]he selectmen or councillors of a town; or [t]he mayor and aldermen or councillors of a city.”
Ruksznis v. Argonaut Ins. Co., 774 F.3d 784 (1st Cir. 2014). “” Me.Rev.Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(11) (emphasis added).”
Goldstein v. Town of Georgetown, 1998 ME 261, 721 A.2d 180. “See 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2001(10)(A)(1996); 36 M.R.”
Gagnon v. Cannon, No. AROcv-14-167 (Me. Super. Ct Dec. 7, 2017). “" This definition is almost identical to the one for "municipal officers" found in 30-A M.R.S. §2001(10). By contrast, 1; the term "town official" is not defined in 36 M.”
Inhabs. of the Town of Northport v. Northport Vill. Corp., No. WALcv-01-022 (Me. Super. Ct July 16, 2001). “” 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2001(10)(A), (B). From this it must be concluded that the Legislature has expressly conferred on “municipal officers” the authority to appoint a CEO and that village corporation officials, because they are not included in the definition of “municipal officers,”…”
Friends of Lincoln Lakes v. Town of Lincoln, No. PENap-09-1 (Me. Super. Ct Feb. 3, 2010). “" 30-A MRSA § 2001(14). Consistent with these legislative mandates, the Town of Lincoln established the Appeals 7 Board and vested it with authority to "hear and decide [administrative] appeals where it is alleged that the there was an error in any order, requirement, decision,…”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(10): 3 cases
Fair Elections Portland, Inc. v. City of Portland, 2021 ME 32, 252 A.3d 504. “§§ 2102(1)-(2), 2104(1)-(2); see 30-A M.R.S. § 2001(10) (2021). For the voter-initiated process, the first step is for any five voters of the municipality to file an affidavit with the municipal clerk setting forth their proposal, stating that they constitute a “petitioners’…”
Farris v. Poore, 841 F. Supp. 2d 436 (D. Me. 2012). “” Title 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2001(10) defines “municipal officers” as ”[t]he selectmen or councillors of a town; or [t]he mayor and aldermen or councillors of a city.”
Gagnon v. Cannon, No. AROcv-14-167 (Me. Super. Ct Dec. 7, 2017). “" This definition is almost identical to the one for "municipal officers" found in 30-A M.R.S. §2001(10). By contrast, 1; the term "town official" is not defined in 36 M.”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(10)(A): 1 case
Inhabs. of the Town of Northport v. Northport Vill. Corp., No. WALcv-01-022 (Me. Super. Ct July 16, 2001). “” 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2001(10)(A), (B). From this it must be concluded that the Legislature has expressly conferred on “municipal officers” the authority to appoint a CEO and that village corporation officials, because they are not included in the definition of “municipal officers,”…”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(10)(A)(1996): 1 case
Goldstein v. Town of Georgetown, 1998 ME 261, 721 A.2d 180. “See 30-A M.R.S.A. § 2001(10)(A)(1996); 36 M.R.”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(10)(B): 1 case
Quintal v. City of Hallowell, 2008 ME 155, 956 A.2d 88. “” Title 30-A M.R.S. § 2001(10)(B) (2007) defines municipal officers as "[t]he mayor and alderman or councilors of a city.”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(11): 2 cases
Ruksznis v. Argonaut Ins. Co., 774 F.3d 784 (1st Cir. 2014). “” Me.Rev.Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(11) (emphasis added).”
Gagnon v. Cannon, No. AROcv-14-167 (Me. Super. Ct Dec. 7, 2017). “" This definition is almost identical to the one for "municipal officers" found in 30-A M.R.S. §2001(10). By contrast, 1; the term "town official" is not defined in 36 M.”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 30-A, § 2001(14): 2 cases
Friends of Lincoln Lakes v. Town of Lincoln, 2010 ME 78, 2 A.3d 284. “” 30-A M.R.S. § 2001(14) (2009). “[T]he question of whether a party has standing to bring an administrative appeal depends on the language of the governing ordinance.”
Friends of Lincoln Lakes v. Town of Lincoln, No. PENap-09-1 (Me. Super. Ct Feb. 3, 2010). “" 30-A MRSA § 2001(14). Consistent with these legislative mandates, the Town of Lincoln established the Appeals 7 Board and vested it with authority to "hear and decide [administrative] appeals where it is alleged that the there was an error in any order, requirement, decision,…”
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