Skowhegan Zoning Board upholds notice of violation for 15 Avore St.; occupant must vacate by Feb. 20

The Skowhegan Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 4 upheld a Code Enforcement Officer's notice of violation for a house at 15 Avore St., voting 3-0 to require the occupant to vacate the property by Feb. 20. The board said an inspection documented multiple immediate fire and safety hazards that justified enforcement action.

At the board's request, Aaron Crocker summarized the inspection, saying that “numerous immediate fire hazards were identified throughout the accessible portions of the dwelling.” Crocker described extensive exposed and deteriorated electrical wiring, live wires with chafed insulation and exposed ends, and electrical connections lacking wire nuts, electrical tape or approved junction boxes. He also reported a pellet stove that lacked proper clearances and fire protection and whose exhaust was routed through the porch, creating a tripping hazard and visible soot and creosote; the stove appeared to have been burning wood as well as pellets. Crocker said the house was not warm and that water in the toilet was partially frozen.

Chairman Garrett Quinn told the board the appellant would have until Feb. 20 to move out and said he was reluctant to overturn the Code Enforcement Officer’s decision because of the fire hazards and the risk they posed to adjacent buildings. Brad Corson moved to uphold the Code Enforcement Officer’s decision; Colin Quinn seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 3-0.

Following the vote, the board closed the public hearing. Members then discussed appeal procedures generally; Chairman Quinn reminded members not to discuss matters outside formal hearings and urged balancing compassion with community safety. The board also voted 3-0 to plan for an executive session at its next organizational meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.

The notice of violation was originally issued Jan. 7, 2026. The appeal was filed by Gordon Corson Jr.; he was not present at the hearing.