Maine § 344-B. - Timetables for processing permit applications
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 344-B. — Timetables for processing permit applications, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 344-B.. Timetables for processing permit applications
Pursuant to the provisions of this section, the commissioner shall determine and annually publish a processing time for each type of permit or license issued by the department. When establishing processing times for permits or licenses, the commissioner shall take into consideration all duties and responsibilities of the department and the availability of resources. [PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).]
The provisions of this section apply only to new permit and license applications. [PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).]
1. Publication of timetables. No later than November 1st of each year, the commissioner shall publish processing timetables for each permit and license issued by the department. Permit and license processing timetables must be published simultaneously in all newspapers designated by the Secretary of State as papers of record under Title 5, section 8053, subsection 5. The commissioner shall enter the published processing timetables into the record of the board at the first meeting of the board following publication.
Except as provided in this section, the deadline governing the processing of an application is determined by the timetable in effect on the date the application is determined to be complete.
2. Consultation. Prior to publishing timetables pursuant to subsection 1, the commissioner shall review the proposed processing timetables with an advisory committee established for that purpose. The commissioner shall appoint the members of the advisory committee. In appointing the members, the commissioner shall seek to appoint a committee that is broadly representative of business, environmental and other interest groups. The purpose of the committee is solely advisory.
3. Processing period. The processing period for an application begins on the date the commissioner notifies the applicant that the application is complete. Except as provided in paragraph A, the consent of the applicant is required to stop the processing period or to extend the deadline.
A. The processing time for an application stops if:
(2) The board assumes jurisdiction over an application. If the board assumes jurisdiction over an application, the board shall set a new timetable for the application and shall stop the processing period or extend the deadline subject to the conditions of this subsection. The forfeiture provisions of subsection 5 do not apply to timetables set by the board; or
(3) The commissioner determines that the applicant has significantly modified the application. Under this subparagraph, the processing period is stopped until the applicant and the commissioner agree to a new timetable. [PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).]
B. The commissioner may stop the processing time with the consent of the applicant for any period of time agreeable to the commissioner and the applicant if the commissioner determines that:
(2) Agencies other than the department that are required to comment on an application do not respond within the time frames established by a memorandum of understanding between the agencies; or
(3) The applicant wishes to stop the processing period or to extend the deadline. [PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §4 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 804, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).]
Expiration of a processing period may not be the sole reason for denial of an application.
4. Multiple permits. For projects that require more than one permit from the department, the commissioner and the applicant shall determine the timetable or timetables applicable to all permit or license applications required for that project at a presubmission meeting.
5. Forfeiture. If the commissioner fails to approve or deny an application prior to the applicable deadline, the commissioner shall pay the applicant an amount equal to 50% of the permit or license processing fee. The remainder of the permit or license processing fee is payable to the applicant if the commissioner does not approve or deny the application within 120 calendar days after that deadline. Forfeitures payable under this subsection may not exceed the permit or license processing fee paid by the applicant.
6. Report.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 344-B.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 344-B. cover?
Section 344-B. ("Timetables for processing permit applications") 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 § 344-B.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 344-B." (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 § 344-B. 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.