Opinion ID: 2279892
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Authority of the Board of Selectmen

Text: [¶ 7] The Cliff House argues that 38 M.R.S.A. § 1252(7)(A)(2) should not be interpreted to allow the Town to review all issues peripherally related to land use controls contained in the comprehensive plan, but rather should be limited to allow consideration of issues immediately related to the laying of sewer extension pipes, i.e., issues typically addressed in zoning ordinances. These contentions are without merit. The plain meaning of the statute is clear. See Fullerton v. Knox County Comm'rs, 672 A.2d 592, 594 (Me.1996) (statute interpreted by first looking at the plain meaning of the statutory language seeking to give effect to the legislative intent). Section 1252(7)(A)(2) states that a municipality may determine whether a sewer extension is consistent with adopted municipal plans and ordinances regulating land use. The comprehensive plan is an adopted municipal plan regulating land use, and its contents were properly considered by the Board. [¶ 8] The Cliff House next argues that the Board exceeded its authority in denying written assurance based on concerns about the future capacity of the District's treatment plant. The Cliff House contends, first, that the Board's review exceeds the terms of the comprehensive plan referring to sewer projects; and, second, the decision interferes with the statutory authority of the District. The Town argues that provisions in both the plan and the statute enable the Board to consider the remaining capacity of the District's treatment facility. We agree. [¶ 9] First, the terms of the comprehensive plan enable consideration of the future capacity of the District sewage treatment facility. A review of the plan shows it is intended to promote orderly and environmentally sound development. The plan is replete with policy statements designed to allow development, but to limit such development in ways that protect the Town's natural resources. For example, the plan states: It is the policy of the Town ... to encourage growth only where appropriate and not in any one area of town, and that development in rural sections of Ogunquit, areas... where future growth may logically occur, is limited in part because public sewer service is not available. The plan also states that the Town plans to protect its ground water resources by continuing to upgrade the sewer system. In light of these and other provisions, sewer service would be needed in certain areas of Ogunquit to ensure environmentally sound development. Such service depends directly on the available capacity of the District's treatment facility; thus, concerns regarding the future capacity of the facility are relevant in determining whether a project is consistent with the comprehensive plan. [¶ 10] Second, the Board's decision does not interfere with the statutory authority of the District. Section 1252(7) provides that the District may not construct a sewer extension unless the Town issues written assurance. This limitation is incorporated into the District's charter, and any contrary provisions in the charter are repealed pursuant to section 1252. [2]