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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