Maine Closing of Ways Code or Ordinance refers to the legal regulations and provisions implemented by the state of Maine to formally close public ways or roads. This process involves restricting access or permanently discontinuing public rights of way, typically due to safety concerns, property disputes, or lack of use or maintenance. There are several types of Maine Closing of Ways Code or Ordinance: 1. Road Abandonment: Maine allows municipalities or property owners to petition for the abandonment of a public road, which involves permanently closing it off from public use. This code ensures that the process is carried out lawfully and in accordance with established guidelines. 2. Temporary Road Closure: In certain situations, a public way may need to be temporarily closed or restricted, such as for construction, maintenance, or events. The Maine Closing of Ways Code provides provisions for obtaining permits and setting conditions for temporary closures, ensuring public safety and mitigating inconvenience. 3. Discontinuation of Easement: An easement is a legal right to use a pathway or road that typically benefits neighboring properties. The Maine Closing of Ways Code allows for the discontinuation of such easements through legal proceedings when certain conditions are met, such as when the easement is deemed unnecessary or when property owners unanimously agree. 4. Private Way Regulations: Maine also has specific regulations regarding the establishment and closure of private ways, which are non-public roads that provide access to multiple properties. These regulations govern the process of creating, altering, or closing private ways, ensuring that property owners have legal access to their land. The Maine Closing of Ways Code or Ordinance aims to maintain a well-regulated system for closing public ways while ensuring fairness, public safety, and the efficient use of land and resources. It provides a framework for property owners, municipalities, and relevant authorities to follow when dealing with the closure of public or private roads in the state of Maine.