Traffic Control Ordinances – Title 30-A M.R.S. § 3009 allows the municipal officers to enact ordinances governing:
- Pedestrian traffic, including the use and maintenance of sidewalks and crosswalks. (Yes, the municipal officers can pass an ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow from sidewalks.)
- The operation of vehicles in the public ways and on publicly owned property. (Towns have used this to pass Jake brake ordinances, motorcycle noise ordinances, and various other issues that aren’t covered by state law).
- Parking in public ways or public parking areas.
Extension of Moratoria – While town meeting must enact the original moratorium, the municipal officers may act to extend the moratorium for additional 180-day periods upon a finding that the conditions which called for the moratorium still exist. (30-A M.R.S. § 4356)
Cable TV Ordinances – The municipal officers may enact ordinances governing the franchising and regulation of cable TV within the municipal boundaries. (30-A M.R.S. § 3008)
General Assistance Ordinances – These ordinances govern the processing and application requirements for receiving general assistance from the municipality. Each year, the municipal officers must also amend the local maximum levels of assistance. (22 M.R.S. § 2305) (Note that Maine Municipal Association provides a model ordinance as well as annual suggested maximums.)
Local Snowmobile and ATV Access Routes – Under state law, snowmobiles and ATVs may not travel within the public way. However, 12 M.R.S. 13106-A(5)(G) gives the municipal officers authority to pass ordinances allowing for such travel if they determine that it can be done safely.
