Maine Revised Statutes
Chapter 141: ORDINANCES
30-A §3003. Adoption of codes by reference

§3003. Adoption of codes by reference
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Code" means any published compilation of regulations or enforceable standards which has been prepared by any association or organization that is nationally recognized for establishing standards in the areas set out below, or any department or agency of the Federal Government or the State, and includes:
(1) Building codes;
(2) Plumbing codes;
(3) Electrical wiring codes;
(4) Health or sanitation codes;
(5) Fire prevention codes;
(6) Inflammable liquids codes; and
(7) Any other code which embraces regulations pertinent to a subject which is a proper municipal legislative matter. [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
B. "Published" means printed or otherwise reproduced. [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
2. Adoption and amendment of codes by reference. Any ordinance adopted or repealed by a municipality under its home rule authority may incorporate by reference any code or portions of any code, or any amendment of such a code, properly identified as to date and source, without setting forth the provisions of the code in full.
A. At least one copy of the code, portion or amendment that is incorporated or adopted by reference must be filed in the office of the municipal clerk and kept there available for public use, inspection and examination. The required copy of the codes, portion or amendment or public record must be filed with the municipal clerk for 30 days before the adoption of the ordinance that incorporates the code, portion or amendment by reference. [PL 1993, c. 374, §2 (AMD).]
B. If such a code, portion or amendment is promulgated by a metropolitan or regional agency, the adopting municipality must be within the territorial boundaries of the agency. [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
C. The filing requirements for ordinances adopted under Title 38, sections 435 to 447, are deemed to be met if the codes were on file in the clerk's office by July 1, 1974. [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[PL 1993, c. 374, §2 (AMD).]
3. Posting and publication of adopting ordinance. This section does not relieve any municipality of the requirement of posting or publishing in full the ordinance which adopts a code, portion or amendment by reference. All provisions applicable to that publication shall be fully and completely carried out as if no code, portion or amendment were incorporated in the ordinance.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
4. Adoption of penalty clauses. Any ordinance adopting a code, portion or amendment by reference shall state the penalty for violating the code, portion or amendment separately. No part of any such penalty may be incorporated by reference.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1987, c. 737, §§A2,C106 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 104, §§C8,10 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 374, §2 (AMD).