▼

Assessor's Office

Show All Answers

1. What is the tax rate (mil rate) and how is it calculated?

Current Tax Rate: $27.54 The tax rate is the amount per $1,000 of taxable valuation that you pay in taxes. It is expressed in dollars and cents. For example, a home with a taxable valuation of $100,000 will have an annual tax levy of $2,754 on a tax rate of $27.54 ($100,000 x .02754 = $2,754).

The City Council determines the annual amount of revenue to be raised from property taxes to fund all municipal services. The Assessing Department determines the total taxable valuation of all real estate and personal property in the City. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the total amount to be raised from property taxes by the total taxable valuation of the City.

2. If my taxes increase, what is the reason?

In accordance with State Law, the Assessing Department inspects all properties in the City once every 4 years. We also annually inspect properties based on building permits and sales. If changes are noted that increase your property’s value, your taxes will likely increase. Even if no changes have been made to your property, and your valuation stays the same, your taxes can still increase if the tax rate increases.

3. Why does the former property owner's name appear on my tax bill?

The statutory assessment date in Maine is April 1. The Assessor's Office must retain this ownership information for the entire fiscal year that follows. If you purchased your property after April 1st, the previous owner's name remains on the tax bill. Every effort is made to forward tax bills to the new owner. However, if you have not received a tax bill by September 1st, you should contact the Lewiston Treasurer's Office at (207) 513-3131.

4. Why won't the City of Lewiston send my tax bill directly to my bank or mortgage company?

The Assessor's billing address information is used by all City departments for official notification of zoning changes, appeals, and other items of significance to property owners. In addition, since mortgages are regularly bought and sold, this would increase the chance for a bill being sent to the incorrect party, delaying payment and incurring interest charges. If your property taxes are held in escrow, simply send a copy of the bill to the mortgage company when you receive it and retain a copy for your records.

5. What do I do if I don’t agree with the Assessor’s valuation of my property?

First, compare your assessment to similar homes in your neighborhood. You can do this by visiting the Assessing Department portion of the City of Lewiston website and selecting Property Tax Records or come to City Hall, 27 Pine Street, and review the Valuation Book at the Assessor’s Office. Next, you can request an informal review of your property. Finally, if you are not happy with the results of the review, you can formally appeal your valuation by submitting an application for abatement.

6. I applied for an exemption on my property, but it did not show up on my bill. Why?

Any application for exemption (veteran, veteran widow, blind, or homestead) must be received by April 1 for the upcoming fiscal year. If filed after April 1, the exemption will not be applied until the following fiscal year.

▼

City Administrator's Office

Show All Answers

1. How to I learn more about Lewiston's elected officials?

Lewiston has an elected mayor and seven (7) elected city councilors, the latter of whom respectively each represent one of Lewiston's seven wards. A list of Lewiston's current elected officials can be found here.   

Lewiston's Elected Officials

2. How do I contact the Mayor's Office.

You may reach the Mayor's Office by calling (207) 513-3121.  

3. What are your hours of operation, and what holidays does Lewiston municipal government observe?

Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street, is open from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm M - F. Phone calls are answered 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

We observe several holidays whereby municipal offices are closed--with the exception of uniformed emergency personnel.  

For a list of holidays observed and to see individual departmental hours of operation, please click here.

Online services are available 24/7.

Hours and Holidays Observed

4. What if I am not sure which Lewiston department/employee to contact for municipal information?

You may access a City of Lewiston municipal staff directory here.

Staff Directory

5. If I'm interested in possibly moving to this area, is any type of relocation informational packet available?

Welcome in advance!  Visit our relocation informational link:  We'd Love to Have You Become Part of the Lewiston Community!

6. How do I learn about Lewiston public records and Freedom of Information access?

Information about Lewiston public records and the Freedom of Information Act is available here.

Public Records & Freedom of Information

7. How do I learn about Lewiston's winter parking ban procedures?

Information about winter parking bans and alternate parking can be accessed here. 

NOTIFY ME is a great way to sign up for text or email notifications as to when there is a parking ban.

Lewiston City Hall's tower will also be blinking when there is a parking ban, and outreach is done through social media, press releases, and some local message boards.

Winter Parking Ban Information

8. How do I learn more about the Lewiston School Department?

Access to the Lewiston School Department's web site can be reached here.

Lewiston Public Schools

9. How do I learn about the City's Ethics Policy and Whistleblower Policy?

Information on Lewiston's Ethics Police and Whistleblower Policy, please click here

Ethics Policy and Whistleblower Policy

10. How do I learn more about the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC)?

LYAC members serve a one-year tenure from July - July, and annual applicants must be going into 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the forthcoming fall.

The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council was established by the Lewiston City Council in 2001, with the Charter membership first meeting in September 2002.  Each spring renders a new application/interview process, with each year running from July to July.  

The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) was established by the Lewiston City Council in 2001, with the Charter membership first meeting in September 2002.  Each spring renders a new application/interview process, with each LYAC year running from July to July. 

The mission of the LYAC is to "serve as an advisory council to the Lewiston City Council in regards to community issues affecting youth and shall serve as a liaison between the youth of the community and the City. The LYAC shall enable youth to work toward goals that empower all of the community’s youth and to undertake service projects that enhance the community."

Lewiston Youth Advisory Council

11. How do I learn more about single stream or zero sort recycling?

Here are the details that you are looking for! Single Stream Recycling - What Do I Do?

▼

City Clerk

Show All Answers

1. How do I order a certified copy of my birth certificate?

To order a certified, legal copy of a birth certificate, if the birth occurred in Lewiston, Maine, or if the mother of the child was living in Lewiston, Maine at the time of the birth, please complete a Birth Certificate Information Form.

2. How do I obtain a hunting or fishing license?

They can be purchased online. Obtaining Hunting and Fishing License

▼

Finance Department

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain bid information and bid specifications?

All formal bid information is listed on the Bids and Awards page. In many cases, full bid documents are located on the page or contact information is listed.

2. What do I need to re-register my vehicle?

Please visit the Secretary of State's Online Services webpage to re-register your vehicle. To expedite the re-registration process you will need your expiring registration, insurance card, and odometer reading.

If you have purchased a new or used vehicle from a Maine-licensed dealer, you may pay excise tax and complete the registration process through the Finance Department office (27 Pine Street). You may also purchase new license plates or transfer license plates from another vehicle you own. 

3. How do I register my boat, ATV, or snowmobile?

You may re-register your boat, ATV, or snowmobile online through the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or come to the City Hall tax collector’s office for a new transaction (27 Pine Street).You will need to bring in your bill of sale for a private or dealer sale. 

4. How do I make a tax payment?

Tax payments are due semi-annually on September 15th and March 15th and may be made by mail or in person at the Tax Collector’s office at City Hall. Please submit the payment stub portion of your tax bill when making payment.

Payment by mail: Check payable to the City of Lewiston
VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover credit/debit cards accepted
*please note that there is a 2.5% portal processing
fee added to the tax payment amount.

Mail payment to: City of Lewiston
Tax Collector’s Office
27 Pine Street
Lewiston, ME. 04240

Payment in person: Cash accepted
Check payable to the City of Lewiston
VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover credit/debit cards accepted
* please note that there is a 2.5% portal processing
fee added to the tax payment amount.

Payment by escrow: Please note that, if you have a tax escrow account with your mortgage lender, the bank will make your tax payment. Therefore, you do not have to make a tax payment directly to the City. If you are unsure, please call your mortgage lender.

5. How do I obtain a copy of my tax bill?

Tax bills are mailed twice a year with the first bill sent out in early August for the 1st installment due September 15th and the 2nd bill sent out in early January for the 2nd installment due March 15th (if the 15th falls on a weekend, it will be due on the Monday following the 15th).

You may now print out your duplicate bill from the City’s website from the link on the Treasury Division’s page under the Finance Department. There is a link there that will access the tax bills. There is also a link on the front page of the City website. It will take a few minutes to download because of the size of the files. Click on the alphabet of the last name and scroll to the bill you want or on the top of the search engine tool bar page click on “EDIT” and than “FILE”. A box will come up and all you have to do is type in the last name or the location of the property and click on “ENTER” and you will be brought to the page.

If you have misplaced your bill, simply go to the City website as instructed above.

6. How do I obtain a Solid Waste ePass and how much does it cost?

If you are the owner of a single family home or a two unit home in the City of Lewiston you are eligible for a free a Solid Waste ePass. If you own more than one single family home or a two unit you may obtain 1 free pass per every building you own.  The 1^st ePass you purchase will expire 1 year from the time it is received or when the limit of 1,000 pounds is reached, if you obtain a second dump pass it will take the same effective expiration date. 

Tenants living in rental property are entitled to purchase one ePass, per year, at a cost of $20.00 which is good for 1 year from date of issue or when the 1,000 pound limit is met. You may obtain these passes at the Solid Waste Facility. 

If you are a three unit owner occupied or a three unit or more and participate in the curb side pickup you are allowed 1 pass for every 3 units you own.  Each pass will cost $20.00 and will expire at the end of our Fiscal year which would be June.  If you are a 3 unit ore more please contact Laura LaBelle in Accounting at (207) 513-3123.

7. How do I register a vehicle, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, trailer that I purchased?

New Registrations
Dealer Sale:
• Sales Tax Form
• Title Application
• Odometer reading
• Proof of Insurance
• Monroney Label*
Private Sale:
• Bill of Sale
• Previous owners Title, signed over to new owner.
• Odometer Reading
• Proof of Insurance
If Transferring
Dealer Sale:
• Registration of vehicle you are transferring from.
• Sales Tax Form
• Title Application
• Odometer reading
• Proof of Insurance
• Monroney Label*
Private Sale:
• Registration of vehicle you are transferring from.
• Bill of Sale
• Previous owners Title, signed over to new owner.
• Odometer Reading
• Proof of Insurance

For vehicles purchased private sale or out of state, only the excise tax will be collected at the Treasurer's office. The remainder of the registration process will be completed at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

*Monroney Label is the Factory Window Sticker which is applied to the vehicle at time of manufacture. It needs only to be provided when registering a new vehicle.

Although it is not required for Registration purposes, please be aware that Maine has a Motor Vehicle Inspection Law for ALL Motor Vehicles and a requirement that you obtain a Maine Operators License within 30 days of becoming a Maine resident.
For more details and information about these and other laws please see the State Of Maine Motor Vehicle Laws Online.

8. What do I do if I lose my registration?

1. For Lewiston residents proceed to City Hall Treasurer's office for a duplicate registration. Cost - $6.00 2. Or proceed to Bureau of Motor Vehicles for a duplicate registration. Cost - $5.00

9. What do I do if I receive a reminder tax notice?

If you receive a reminder notice for taxes, you may call the Treasurer's Office at (207) 513-3131 for information. These notices are sent out to any tax payer that has a balance remaining on the current year's tax bill. This is only a reminder and not a lien notice.

Full and partial payments may be made by phone. We accept all major credit/debit cards*. If paying by check, please make it payable to "City of Lewiston" and mail it to 27 Pine Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240.

* All credit/debit card payments are assessed a 2.5% third party surcharge.

10. What do I do if I receive a tax lien notice?

If you receive a 30 day real estate tax lien notice, you may call the Treasurer's Office at (207) 513-3131 for information. These notices are sent out to any tax payer that has a balance remaining on the current year's bill. This notice should not be disregarded. A lien will be placed on any unpaid balances at the end of the 30 day period.

Full and partial payments may be made by phone. We accept all major credit/debit cards*. If paying by check, please make it payable to "City of Lewiston" and mail to 27 Pine Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240.

* All credit/debit card payments as assessed a 2.5% third party surcharge.

11. Why is there a 2.5% Portal Processing Fee when using credit and debit cards as payments?

All credit and debit card payments are processed through a third-party processor, Maine PayPort. The 2 ½% is the fee assessed by Maine PayPort and the entire amount of that fee goes directly to them.

12. How can I check the status of a vendor payment?

If you are a vendor and are inquiring about a payment you are expecting contact the Accounting Division at 207-513-3123. Any staff member will be happy to assist you in determining the status of your payment.

13. How can I convert from waiting to receive an account payable check to having funds electronically transmitted directly to my account?

A vendor can request The Vendor EFT/ACH Payment Application by contacting the Accounting Division at 207-513-3123 or the form can be downloaded by clicking the following link below. Please fax the completed form to 207-784-2959, Attn: Accounting Division EFT Application

14. How can I obtain a W-9 form to complete?

If you are a vendor and have been asked to provide a W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, the form can be downloaded and completed from the IRS website, www.irs.gov. Please email the completed form to Laura LaBelle at llabelle@lewistonmaine.gov.

IRS Website

15. How can I pay my City of Lewiston invoice?

You can pay your City of Lewiston invoice by mailing a check or credit card payment (a 2.5% credit card portal processing fee applies) to:

City of Lewiston
Treasurer
27 Pine Street
Lewiston, ME 04240

Or by credit card via telephone by calling (207) 513-3131, a 2.5% credit card portal processing transaction fee applies.

Please reference invoice number or customer number on check when mailing payments.

16. How can I learn more about utilizing the Municipal Parking Garages, rates or cancelling my parking card?

The City currently has five parking garages, Oak Street, Canal Street, Southern Gateway, Chestnut Street, and Lincoln Street.

You can park at the daily rate of $1.00 per hour, with a maximum of $6.00, or you can utilize the monthly parking program, see rates below.

Rates (per pass/tag):

Monthly
$55.00 a month
$42.00 a month Downtown Residents Only
$42.00 a month Downtown Small Business (limit of 2 passes)

Yearly/Annual
Non-Downtown Residents
$600.00 Paid in 3 installments or in full July
$300.00 due July
$150.00 due October
$150.00 due January

Business
Annual 50+
$540.00 due July 1st

If an applicant enrolls on or before the 5th of the month, that month’s parking fee will be prorated as needed and a non-refundable card fee of $5.00 will be due at time of application, thereafter you will be billed monthly. After the 5th of the month, the prorated amount for the current month, the full amount of next month’s parking fee, and the non-refundable ca

Municipal Parking Information

17. What is the Apartment Building Solid Waste Program?

The Apartment Building Solid Waste Program is for new owners of multiple unit apartment buildings with three (3) or more dwelling units who elect to receive or continue provided solid waste collection services by the city. The fees are $170.00 per unit per year for this service. The only exemption from this fee is for three unit, owner occupied buildings. The owner must establish and maintain residency to be eligible for this exemption. An owner that demonstrates occupancy of their four or more unit building will receive a trash disposal credit for his/her dwelling unit on their annual bill. This fee will be billed and paid annually in advance with the option to make semiannual payments due June and December. At time of application the first payment will be due as well as a one-time $100.00 application fee per owner. To review the Solid Waste Ordinance, go to the City Clerk's page under the "Code of Ordinance" and go to Chapter 62 Section 13 link. For further information or to submit application please call Laura LaBelle, Staff Account at (207) 513-3123. To download and review the application click the following link:

Apartment Bldg Solid Waste Application

18. How can I obtain the City of Lewiston's financial documents, for example, the annual budget, the Lewiston Capital Improvement Plan or the Comprehensive Annual Financial Statement?

The City of Lewiston provides electronic versions of the annual budget, the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the annual Lewiston Capital Improvement plan for the current and past nine years on the Finance Department’s webpage. Hardcopy versions of these financial documents are available for public viewing at the City Clerk’s Office – City Hall and at the Lewiston Public Library. Individual hardcopies are available for a fee by contacting Heather Hunter at hhunter@lewistonmaine.gov or 207-513-3017.

Heather Hunter Email

19. How do I offer a suggestion or pay a compliment to the Lewiston Finance Department?

The Finance Department welcomes all suggestions for improvement on services provided and is thrilled to receive feedback when a job is well done. To contact a department individual directly, please find the Department’s Organizational Chart with Contact Information on the Finance Department’s webpage (link). Feedback can also be provided directly to Heather Hunter, Finance Director at City of Lewiston, 27 Pine Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240, 207-513-3017 or hhunter@lewistonmaine.gov. Heather Hunter Email

20. How do I file an insurance claim with the City of Lewiston?

1. Print out “Incident Report” (located on the Finance Dept. page)
2. Fill in the information
3. Get estimates for damages
4. Include pictures (optional)
5. Bring to appropriate department: (if unknown which department, call Marian Ryerson at 207-513-3127 to help determine who should receive the claim) a)Public Works – Cheryl Morin (at the armory) b)Fire – Sherri Castonguay (at Central Fire Station) c)Police – Sandra Brown (at Police Station) d)Recreation – Cheryl Morin (at the Armory) e)Library – Marcela Peres (at the Library)

Incident Report form

21. How do I find out about the sale of City property?

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for the sale of City property once authorized by the City Council. All sales are authorized by either the City Council or Finance Committee depending on the type of transaction. Once the sale of property, both real and personal, are authorized, a bid will be posted under "Bids & Awards" under the Finance Department. Once on the Bids & Awards page, you will find any bids for the sale of City property under the "Sale of City Property" category. To receive notification via e-mail that there is a bid for the sale of property, either real or personal, register at "Notify Me" on the City webpage.

22. How do I register as a vendor for bid information?

At this time, vendor registration requests are sent to the Purchasing Agent with a listing of the types of items or projects of interest. Send your request to Allen Ward attention at: Ph: (207) 513-3040 Fx: (207) 784-2959 Email: award@lewistonmaine.gov Mail: City Building, 27 Pine Street Lewiston, Maine 04240

23. How can I have the Water, Sewer and Stormwater account put in my name?

If you are an owner, you will need to complete an application for service and submit "proof of ownership" to the Utility Services Division at City Hall.

If you are a tenant, you will need to complete and application for services and pay a $100 security deposit to the Utility Services Division at City Hall.

An Application for Service can be obtained by the link below, at the Utility Services Division at City Hall or by contacting the Utility Services Division at (207) 513-3140. Utility Service Application

24. How can I pay my Water and Sewer or Stormwater bills?

There are currently several convenient ways to pay your utility bill. 

Pay by Mail Use the return envelope included with your bill to send payment. 
Payments can be mailed to: 
Lewiston City Hall 
27 Pine Street 
Lewiston, Maine 04240 

Pay by Phone Please call the (207) 513-3140 

Pay in Person Lewiston City Hall, 2nd Floor 27 Pine Street, Lewiston 
Drive Up and Drop It Off A drive-up drop box is located at the Lewiston City Hall Building to offer Lewiston residents more convenience when making their utility bill payments. Utility payments can be deposited in the drop box located at the Park Street entrance at City Hall. 

Pay Online Visit the Lewiston Citizen Self Service Portal.

25. What is the Summer Usage Program?

The Sewer Division has a program called the Summer Usage Program. It is a program that gives a sewer discount to customers that use excess water in the summertime.

Once you are on the program, you are on it for the life of your account. You do not need to be placed on the program every year. The program begins on June 1st and ends on November 1st. In order to make sure you receive the credits, make sure not to water your lawn/garden or fill your pool before Memorial Day every year!

You can complete the attached application and bring it to the Utility Services Division at City Hall. Sewer Summer Usage Application

26. If i need an Excavation Permit, where do I go?

You need to go to the Accounting Division at City Hall to apply for a permit. For an Excavation Permit, print and fill out the application at the link below and bring it along with a Certificate of Insurance to the Accounting Division. Once the permit is complete and the fees have been paid, you will receive your permit.

• Excavation and Street Opening Policy (with Fees)
• Excavation Permit Application

27. If I need a Street/Sidewalk Occupancy Permit, what do I do?

For a Street/Sidewalk Occupancy Permit, you will need to print and complete the application below as well as submit a traffic review plan showing the area to be occupied as well as signage and traffic control. Bring all documents to the Accounting Division at City Hall. There are several departments that need to approve the occupancy before the permit process can be completed so the City requires 48 hours to approve the permit request. There is a fee of $58.00 as well as a daily charge up to $232.00 for each occupancy permit. Also the STREET AND SIDEWALK OCCUPANCY POLICY may assist you further.

Street/Sidewalk Occupancy Permit Application

28. What will happen if I don’t pay my stormwater bill?

Sec 1 Title 30-A M.R.S.A., § 3406 An Act To Allow Municipalities To Place Liens for Failure To Pay Stormwater Assessments Be advised, effective October 15, 2013, the City of Lewiston will begin pursuing delinquent stormwater charges through the lien process. In accordance with Section 1 of Title 30-A M.R.S.A., § 3406, any person failing to pay the stormwater service fee when due shall be subject to having a stormwater lien recorded against their property, to secure the payment of the outstanding charges. Said lien will be filed at the Androscoggin Registry of Deeds. To prevent the recording of the lien, all past due stormwater and interest charged must be paid. This lien takes precedence over all other claims on the real estate, excepting only claims for taxes and sewer. If a lien is filed, you may lose your property unless you pay the charges, plus interest and the costs of securing and enforcing the lien.

▼

Fire Department

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a burning permit?

Burning permits are issued on a daily basis depending on weather conditions. To obtain one, please contact Central Station at (207) 513-3002, X3606 or X3608. The district fire truck and personnel will visit the requested burning site for review. If approved, the permit will be issued immediately on site. There is no fee for the permit.

2. What do I do if I observe a fire safety hazard within Lewiston?

Please feel free to contact Central Station Fire Prevention with any fire safety hazard concerns. Fire Prevention can be reached at (207) 513-3002, X3607 or X3605 In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

3. What information should I know about fireworks use in Lewiston

Fireworks information can be found here. Fireworks Information

4. How do I properly dispose of a fire extinguisher?

To be posted soon.

▼

Genealogy

Show All Answers

1. How early were cities and towns required to file birth, marriage and death records?

Prior to 1892, towns were not required to file records of birth, marriage and death. Some towns have records before 1892, but these are not a complete recording of events

2. Unsure where an event took place?

Begin by contacting the State, they maintain copies of records from every town in Maine.

▼

GIS

Show All Answers

1. Can I get a tax map?

Use the search by address tool to find your subject property in the city map viewer, then use the ’Print Tax Map" or "Print Lot" on the info window that pops up. One is the complete Tax Map, 24"x36".map, the "Print Lot" creates a letter size map of that subject property only.

Click here to return to the GIS Portal page.

2. Can I get a copy of the Tax Card from the GIS?

You will need to contact the Assessors Dept. at (207) 513-3122

3. Can I obtain GIS or CAD data?

We offer certain GIS layers and CAD data when requested for surveyors, engineers, developers. Please use contact information above.

▼

Lewiston Public Library

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a library card?

Library cards are provided free to anyone living in, paying property taxes in, or going to school in Lewiston or Auburn. Simply bring your photo ID and something that contains your current street address (i.e., driver’s license, utility bill, lease, or any piece of recently delivered mail).

For additional information, contact the Lending Services Department at 207-513-3134 or lplcirc@lewistonmaine.gov

2. How can I support the Lewiston Public Library (LPL)?

Join the Friends of LPL! The Friends of the LPL is a nonprofit organization that assists the library with facility, service, and resource development. For additional information regarding how you can support Friends of LPL, please visit the library's webpage addressing this question.

3. How can I keep up with new material at the library?

Learn about the library’s newest purchases by signing up with your email address. We send information according to your choice of genre, age, and format. You can also view the newest additions on our online catalog.

▼

Planning and Code Enforcement

Show All Answers

1. Which signs do not require a permit?

Most signs require approval of a sign permit from the Department Planning and Code Enforcement. However, some signs do not require a permit, though they are often limited by size, number, or length of time. For more information see below. 

Which signs do not require a permit?

Full information on all sign requirements may be found in Appendix A of the Zoning and Land Use Code, Article XII, Section 16 Signs Sec (lewistonmaine.gov)

2. Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Yes. A permit is required from this department. We need to know the length and height of the proposed fence when applying for the permit. A fence may be located on the property line. However, it is recommended that you off set the fence from the property line to provide enough space to access both sides of the fence for maintenance without having to cross the neighbors property.

Fence Permit

3. What do I do if my property has lead based paint?

Please visit the Lead Paint Resources page on our website.

4. Where and how many chickens can I have in Lewiston?

Information may be found on our "Keeping Chickens in Lewiston" Quick Info. Sheet.

Keeping Chickens in Lewiston Quick Info. Sheet

5. What temperature must my apartment be kept at?

Generally, every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms measured at a distance of 3 feet from the exterior walls, 5 feet above floor level. In addition, the heating facilities must be operated to protect the building equipment and systems from freezing. The exception to this is that an owner or operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units and the occupant thereof under a lease or tenancy at will may enter into an agreement for the owner or operator to provide heat at less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit subject to specific provisions. Contact Planning and Code Enforcement for more information.

6. Where can I find zoning maps of a property?

Zoning maps may be viewed on the City's GIS mapping page. City Maps

7. Where can I find zoning ordinance information?

All zoning related information, including district regulations and definitions, may be viewed on the City's ordiance page under Appendix A: Zoning & Land Use Code. Zoning and Land Use Code

8. How do I find out if I need a business license in the City Of Lewiston?

Please visit the following page. 

9. Can my business use the sidewalk for seating, merchandise, and signage?

Please review the following requirements when placing temporary signage, tables, chairs, benches, and merchandise on sidewalks or public ways.

Sec. 66-36. Tables, chairs, benches, and merchandise on sidewalks or public ways. 

(a) Any business holding a valid city food service establishment business license issued by the City of Lewiston is permitted to place tables, chairs, benches and barriers not to exceed 42" in height or any business displaying goods and articles or merchandise that may be displayed or exhibited for sale on or above any city sidewalk or public way (not used for vehicular traffic) and must comply with the following conditions:

 (1) Be situated in front of the physical boundaries of the authorized business so as not to exceed the physical dimensions of the facility exterior as it is situated within the structure or building, or that of the adjoining property upon written permission from that property owner(s), or unless specifically authorized to do so by the city;

 (2) Tables, chairs, benches and barriers must be consistent and compatible in style and color, be easily cleanable, made of metal or wood which may be painted, stained or covered with a plastic coating, and be of sufficient weight so as not to be moved by wind gusts of 40 miles per hour;

 (3) Notwithstanding Appendix A, Article XII, Section 16 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lewiston, the business name may be placed one or more times on barriers without a sign permit; however, may not display any other commercial logo or business other than the name and logo of the authorized establishment and those items being sold by the establishment;

 (4) Be temporarily removed in any instance where the objects or devices: restrict or prevent the city from conducting normal or emergency sidewalk maintenance operations or under any condition in which there is a request for temporary removal from the police department, fire department, public works department relating to maintenance or public safety activity; or removed in conjunction with special events; or removed per request or special order from the city administrator or city council to temporarily remove items in conjunction with special events;

 (5) Provide adequate trash receptacles;

 (6) Ensure that there is no less than four feet of passable area along the curb line of the street, clear of any obstructions, for pedestrians;

 (7) Comply with all applicable provisions of the City Code;

 (8) Any damage to public property, including but not limited to grease stain, shall be repaired by the public works department at the expense of the business at issue. 

(9) The police department, fire department, or public works department may prohibit any business from placing tables, chairs, and benches or displaying goods, articles, or merchandise on sidewalks or public ways in situations whereby such activity results in adverse impacts to adjoining businesses, pedestrians or motorists.

 (10) Whenever, in the opinion of the police department, fire department, public works department or designee, the obstruction does not conform to the conditions of this ordinance, the City shall order such establishment and property owner to conform to such conditions or to remove such obstruction and charge the cost thereof to the person responsible for the obstruction.

Sec. 66-38. Temporary signage. 

Any commercial establishment is permitted to place one temporary sign per business location on or above the sidewalk or public way (not used for vehicular traffic) that must:

 (1) Not exceed, relative to the entire sign structure, eight square feet per side consistent with the city sign ordinance, Appendix A, Article 12, section 16(C)(2) a.2; 

(2) Not display any other commercial logo or business other than the name and logo of the authorized establishment and those items being sold by the establishment; 

(3) Be placed in a manner which provides for no less than four feet of passable area for pedestrians nor in a manner which creates an obstruction interfering with vehicular traffic site lines; 

(4) Must be of sufficient weight so as not to be moved by under normal meteorological conditions; 

(5) Be temporarily removed in any instance where the objects or devices: Restrict or prevent the city from conducting normal or emergency sidewalk maintenance operations or under any condition in which there is a request for temporary removal from the police department or fire department relating to public safety activity; or removed in conjunction with special events, or removed per request or special order from the city administrator or city council to temporarily remove items in conjunction with special events; 

(6) Comply with all applicable provisions of the City Code; 

(7) Shall only be placed during operational hours and must be removed at the end of operational hours each day.

Ordinance may be reviewed at https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/226/Chapter-66?bidId 

04/14/2023

▼

Police Department

Show All Answers

1. Can I legally use fireworks within the City of Lewiston?

Yes; however, there are only three dates when they can be utilized, and they can only be used within the Zone 1 discharge area. Please refer to web "Fireworks Information" for full details. Fireworks Information

2. Can I pay a Lewiston parking ticket online?

Yes you can? Within two days of receiving the ticket, you will be able to pay online by going to the following link (does NOT include moving violations): Link to Payment Site

▼

Recreation Department

Show All Answers

1. What programs do you provide?

We have a variety of seasonal programs such as basketball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, track, and other similar programs. Please check the department homepage for additional information. We also put out a program guide twice a year listing activities that will be coming up. Download the latest Program Guide

2. How do I register for programs, reserve Armory space, or check league schedules?

Head to our home page: LewistonRecreation.com and use our new online registration software - Detailed Instructions

▼

Social Services

Show All Answers

1. What municipal office to I contact for assistance with rent, utilities, etc.

The Lewiston Social Services Department - (207) 513-3130.