Opinion ID: 1922564
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Challenges to the Factual Findings

Text: [¶ 7] Pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 80K, a municipality has the burden of proving an alleged land use violation by a preponderance of the evidence. M.R. Civ. P. 80K(i). When an appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support a finding in a civil case in which the appellant did not bear the burden of proof, we review the record in the light most favorable to the trial court's judgment to determine if the findings are supported by competent evidence. See Acadia Ins. Co. v. Keiser Indus., Inc., 2002 ME 57, ¶ 14, 793 A.2d 495, 498. Where there is competent evidence in the record to support the court's findings, we will not disturb the factual findings of the court. Sorey v. Sorey, 1998 ME 217, ¶ 14, 718 A.2d 568, 571. [¶ 8] Diva's argues that the City failed to meet its burden of proving land use violations, specifically, the presentation of nude entertainment, by a preponderance of the evidence. In particular, Diva's asserts that no evidence exists to establish a violation of Bangor's ordinances because the officer who testified at trial was unable to recount the specific names or descriptions of the dancers he observed. At trial, however, the officer testified that he witnessed female dancers at Diva's with exposed buttocks and breasts or portions of the breasts at or below the areola, on ten occasions, including June 22 and June 26, 2001. In addition, Diva's owner, Diane Cormier-Youngs, admitted at trial that dancers at Diva's wear only G-string thongs and pasties when they perform. [¶ 9] Competent evidence supports the court's finding that the activities that occurred at Diva's on June 22 and June 26, 2001, amounted to nude entertainment in violation of Bangor's ordinances. Given Diva's invitation to the public to observe an act of civil disobedience, the owner's admission that the dancers exposed their buttocks and breasts, and the observation of that exposure by the officer, Diva's challenge of the trial court's findings fails. We find no clear error in the trial court's factual findings. See Palanza v. Lufkin, 2002 ME 143, ¶ 15, 804 A.2d 1141, 1146.