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West Bath sets Feb. 19 public hearing on proposed vehicle-weight ordinance for posted ways
Summary
The West Bath Select Board voted to hold a public hearing on Feb. 19 to review a Maine Municipal Association sample ordinance restricting vehicle weight on posted ways; discussion focused on permit authority and enforcement mechanisms. The hearing will precede any final vote.
The West Bath Select Board voted Jan. 15 to hold a public hearing on Feb. 19 to review a proposed ordinance restricting vehicle weight on posted ways, using a Maine Municipal Association sample ordinance the town attorney has reviewed.
The ordinance is intended to give the town a tool to limit heavy vehicles on roads that are posted for weight restrictions. The board discussed who would issue permits: "I think the select board should issue permits," said a committee member during the discussion. Another member said state law references would enable enforcement, and the board agreed to clarify permit authority before the hearing.
The board agreed that the hearing will provide residents an opportunity to comment before the board votes on the ordinance at a subsequent meeting. The motion to hold the hearing was made, seconded and approved unanimously (individual vote tallies were not recorded in the transcript).
Why it matters: The ordinance would create a local permitting and enforcement process to protect roads from damage by overweight vehicles. Board members said they want clear language on who issues permits and whether limits or caps on permits are appropriate, and they asked staff to ensure the ordinance text makes the town the issuing authority.
What’s next: The board will take public input at the Feb. 19 hearing and then may schedule a vote on adoption at a later meeting.
