Skowhegan, ME Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 6 of the Skowhegan Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance deals with the most common way a business blocks a public sidewalk: loading and unloading. On streets not otherwise restricted, merchandise can be transferred from or to trucks or other vehicles over the sidewalk by the use of skids or planks. Three conditions apply together. The transfer has to be reasonably necessary, the sidewalk cannot be unreasonably obstructed, and the skids or planks can stay in place only for such period of time as is necessary.

The enforcement tool is direct. If the sidewalk and travel on it are obstructed by skids or planks for an unreasonable time, any police officer in the course of his/her duty can order the skids or planks removed. If they are not removed, the officer can remove them or cause them to be removed, at the expense of the offender. The section prints no forfeiture amount of its own, so the cost recovery is the printed consequence. Section 2 of the ordinance assigns general enforcement to the Skowhegan Police Department or another official duly appointed and authorized by the Board of Selectmen. Section 6 also carries a printed cross reference to License and Business Regulations section 10-2.

Other sections of the same ordinance cover related sidewalk and street uses with their own penalties. Section 4 requires written permission from the municipal officers for an awning or sign over a sidewalk outside the permitted arrangement, with a civil forfeiture not to exceed $100.00 for each violation. Section 5 requires the written permission of the Town Manager or his/her designee before any table, tent, booth, or stall, or any carriage or cart is placed or maintained in any public street or way for any sale or exhibition, with the same $100.00 ceiling. Section 7 bars riding bicycles, skateboards or rollerblades on listed downtown sidewalks. The ordinance was adopted at a Special Town Meeting on 8/8/2000 and amended on 2/14/2012.