TOWN OF SWAN'S ISLAND
ADDRESSING ORDINANCE
Adopted November 19, 1997
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this ordinance is to enhance the easy and rapid location of properties by law
enforcement, fire, rescue and emergency medical services personnel in the Town of Swan's
Island.
Section 2. Authority
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to and consistent with Municipal Home Rule Powers as
provided for in Article VIII, Part 2, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Maine and Title 30-A M.R.S.A. Section 3001.
Section 3. Administration
This ordinance shall be administered by the selectmen, who are authorized to and shall assign
road names and numbers to all properties, both on existing and proposed roads, in accordance
with the criteria in Sections 4 and 5. The selectmen shall also be responsible for maintaining the
following official records of this ordinance:
a. A town map for official use showing road names and numbers,
b. An alphabetical list of all property owners as identified by current assessment records, by last
name, showing the assigned numbers.
c. An alphabetical list of all roads with property owners listed in order of their assigned numbers.
Section 4. Naming System
All roads that serve two or more properties shall be named regardless of whether the ownership
is public or private. A "road" refers to any highway, road, street, avenue, lane, private way or
similar paved, gravel or dirt thoroughfare. "Property" refers to any property on which a more or
less permanent structure has been erected or could be placed. A road name assigned by the
Town of Swan's Island shall not constitute or imply acceptance of the road as a public way.
The following criteria shall govern the naming system:
a. No two roads shall be given the same name.
b. No two roads shall have similar sounding names.
c. Each road shall have the same name throughout its entire length.
Section 5. Numbering System
Numbers shall be assigned every fifty (50) feet along both sides of the road, with even numbers
appearing on the left side of the road and odd numbers appearing on the right side of the road,
ascending from the number origin.
Swan's Island Addressing Ordinance-1-1.doc 2
The following criteria shall govern the numbering system:
a. All number origins shall begin from the Crossroads. For dead-end roads, numbering shall
originate at the intersection of the adjacent road and terminate at the dead end.
b. The number assigned to each structure shall be that of the numbered interval falling closest to
the front door or the driveway of said structure if the front door cannot be seen from the main
road.
c. Every structure with more than one principal use or occupancy shall have a separate number
for each use or occupancy. For example, duplexes will have two separate numbers.
d. Apartments will have one property number followed by an apartment number, such as 235
Maple Street, Apt 2.
Section 6. Compliance
All owners of structures shall, by the date stipulated in Section 8, display and maintain in a
conspicuous place on said structure, the assigned numbers in the following manner:
a. Number on the Structure. Where the structure is within fifty (50) feet of the edge of the road
right-of-way, the assigned number shall be displayed on the front of the structure in the vicinity of
the front door or entry.
b. Number at the Street Line. Where the structure is over fifty (50) feet from the edge of the road
right-of-way, the assigned number shall be displayed on a post, fence, wall, the mail box or on
some structure at the property line adjacent to the walk or access drive to the numbered
structure.
c. Size and Color of Number. Numbers shall be a minimum four (4) inches high and be of a
contrasting color to its background.
d. Every person whose duty is to display the assigned number shall remove any different number
which might be mistaken for, or confused with, the number assigned in conformance with this
ordinance.
e. Interior Location. All residents and other occupants are requested to post their assigned
number and road name adjacent to their telephone for emergency reference.
Section 7. New Developments and Subdivisions
All new construction and subdivisions shall be named and numbered in accordance with the
provisions of this ordinance and as follows:
a. New Construction. Whenever any residence or other structure is constructed or developed, it
shall be the duty of the owner to procure an assigned number from the Selectmen.
b. New Subdivisions. Any prospective subdivider shall show a proposed road name and lot
numbering system on the pre-application submission to the Planning Board. Approval by the
Planning Board, after consultation with the Selectmen, shall constitute the assignment of road
names and numbers to the lots in the subdivision. On the final plan showing proposed roads, the
applicant shall mark on the plan. lines or dots, in the center of the streets every fifty (50) feet so
as to aid in the assignment of numbers to structures subsequently constructed.
Swan's Island Addressing Ordinance-1-1.doc 3
Section 8. Effective Date
This ordinance shall become effective as of November 19, 1997. It shall be the duty of the
Selectmen to notify by mail each property owner and the Post Office of their new address at least
sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of their use. It shall be the duty of each property owner
to post new property numbers, in accordance with this ordinance, on the stated day of effective
use. On new structures, numbering will be installed prior to final inspection or when the structure
is first used or occupied, whichever comes first.
CERTIFICATION OF ADOPTION
I hereby attest that this is a true copy of the Swan's Island Addressing Ordinance, duly adopted at
a Special Town Meeting held on November 19, 1997.
________________________________
Gwen J. May
Seal Swan's Island Town Clerk