Street openings and permits

The snow is going, the ground is drying out so that it can be worked and the construction season is fast approaching.
Many people have projects planned that will require the use of heavy equipment. You may want to repave your driveway, widen it, or even relocate it. Maybe it is a sewer or water service line that needs replacement. Whatever the project may be, if you need to do any digging or grading within the right of way of any street or road in Presque Isle, you will need a street opening permit and/or a curb cut permit from the Public Works Department. These permits are free of charge. All you or your contractor needs to do is come to the Public Works Garage at 920 Skyway Street and fill out an application. The process is easy and permits can usually be issued within 24 hours.
    Failure to obtain a permit is punishable by a fine of up to $250 and you will be required to return the area to its pre-existing condition. The fine may be assessed against the property owner and the contractor. The details of this ordinance can be found in Chapter 35 – Curb Cuts, in the City’s Ordinances. You may also call Public Works Department at 764-2560, Monday thru Thursday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To obtain permits for State Highways you must contact the Maine Department of Transportation Office on Rice Street in Presque Isle. Their phone number is 764-2060.
There is one other very important requirement before you dig anywhere with machinery. If you are excavating with machinery of any kind, you must call Dig Safe at 1-888-344-7233 and get a permit before you dig. You should also check out the DigSafe website at: www.digsafe.com.
There are some things that you will need to do before calling Dig Safe.
1. You will need your contractor’s name and phone number.
2. You will need the location details and the reason for the digging.
3. The area to be dug up must be pre-marked with white paint marks or white stakes identifying the area, prior to calling DigSafe. Failure to premark the area is a violation of the Dig Safe law.
The Dig Safe program in Maine is administered and enforced by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The fines for violating this law are very high, up to five thousand dollars or more. You and your contractor will be liable for any repairs to underground utilities that are damaged.
For more information contact the MPUC at 242 State Street, 18 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0018, call 1-800-452-4699, visit www.maine.gov/mpuc, or digsafe.com.
Getting proper permits from the City and State could save a lot of headaches down the road.
Gerry James is Public Works Director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 764-2560.