Maine § 1916. - Removal of signs by amortization
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 1916. — Removal of signs by amortization, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1916.. Removal of signs by amortization
1. Exclusions. This section shall not apply to:
A. Signs for which compensation is paid under section 1915; [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR).]
B. On-premises signs as provided in section 1914; [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR); PL 2011, c. 115, §4 (REV).]
C. Exempt signs under section 1913‑A; [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR).]
D. Signs licensed under this chapter; [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR).]
E. Signs to be removed under section 1917; and [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR).]
F. Signs subject to immediate removal pursuant to section 1924, subsection 3. [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR).]
2. Six years amortization. Any sign lawfully erected as of January 1, 1978, may be maintained in accordance with section 1924 for 6 years after that date in order to amortize the value thereof. The owner of the sign shall remove the sign within 30 days of a receipt of a final order specified in subsection 3.
3. Procedure for notice, hearing, appeal. The procedure for notice, hearing and appeal is as follows.
A. The commissioner shall send to the sign owner notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, that a sign is to be removed pursuant to subsection 2.
If the identity of such owner is not known or reasonably ascertainable by the commissioner, such notice may instead be sent to the owner of the land on which the sign is placed. [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR).]
B. The person owning or controlling the sign may, within 30 days of his receipt of the notice to remove, appeal the order of removal to the commissioner and receive a hearing thereon, with a record made of the hearing. The commissioner shall render a decision within 60 days of the hearing. If no appeal is taken from the commissioner's decision, it shall be a final order. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the commissioner made subsequent to the hearing may, within 30 days of the receipt of notice of such decision, appeal to the Superior Court in the county where the sign is located. The appeal shall not be de novo and shall be subject to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 80b. For the purposes of this section, "person aggrieved" shall include the person owning or controlling the sign and any other person who is a resident of the county where the sign is located. A final judgment of a court shall be a final order for purposes of subsection 2. [PL 1981, c. 318, §4 (RPR).]
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 1916.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 1916. cover?
Section 1916. ("Removal of signs by amortization") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 1916.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 1916." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 1916. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.