Now that the temperatures seem to be on their way up, we'll start moving our spring cleaning to the outside of our home, cleaning up the yard, washing down the windows, maybe touching up some paint.

The Orono police department put out a friendly Facebook post to remind us that our house numbers need tending to as well.  Keeping your address numbers on your house and mailbox clear ensures your address can be found quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency

Every town has their own municipal ordinances when it comes to where you can put your house numbers, but there's a general guideline that most towns adhere to.  Here is an example of Orono's Ordinance, which pretty much fits most ordinances in the state:

All owners of structures shall, by the date stipulated in section 3-8, display and maintain in a conspicuous place on said structure, the assigned numbers in the following manner:

  1. Number on the structure or residence. Where the residence or structure is within 50 feet of the edge of the road right-of-way, the assigned number shall be displayed on the side of the structure facing the street, and shall be clearly visible from the street.
  2. Number at the street line. Where the residence or structure is over 50 feet from the edge of the road right-of-way, the assigned number shall be displayed on post, fence, wall, the mail box, or on some structure at the property line next to the walk or access drive to the residence or structure. Unless displayed on a mailbox, the numbers shall be located between six and eight feet above the ground, to the bottom of the numbers, unless a different height is approved by the code enforcement officer.
  3. Size and color of number. Numbers shall be displayed in a color and size approved for use by the code enforcement officer and shall be located to be visible from the road. Numbers shall be displayed in numerals (not spelled out), shall be a minimum of four inches high, and of a color that contrasts sharply with the background. Reflective numbers are strongly recommended, but not required.
  4. Removal of different number. Every person whose duty is to display the assigned number shall remove any different number that might be mistaken for, or confused with, the number assigned in conformance with this chapter.
  5. Interior location. All residents and other occupants are encouraged to post the assigned number and road name next to their telephone for emergency reference.

In the end, make sure nothing's obstructing the numbers as seen from the road, make sure your numbers are on your house AND near the street and be sure to use numbers that are clear and straight forward with maybe some reflection.

Did you notice the last section of this ordinance that recommends placing your assigned number and road near your telephone?  For those that still have land lines, this might be a good one to add inside your home if it's not there already.

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