Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Town Hall

7

  • Town Hall is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Exceptions are for federal / state holidays and weather emergencies.

     

    Town Hall

  • A snow emergency is declared after a snowfall of more than three inches. Plowing starts on the snow emergency routes first and then continue on side streets.

    Town Hall

  • No, you must register a vehicle before operating on a public way. All registration requests can be handled at Town Hall, located at 208 Sanford Road. If your registration is a renewal, you may register online using the Rapid Renewal service.
    Town Hall

  • Requests for accident reports are handled by the Records Department. They can be reached by calling the non-emergency phone number at 207-646-9354.

    Town Hall

  • You may come to the Police Department, located at 1563 Post Road, and request a permit. The officer will need your driver’s license and the vehicle registration in order to issue the permit. Permits are only valid from the point of origin directly to a local inspection station.

    Town Hall

  • Contact the Police Department at 207-646-9354 for non-emergency situations.
    Town Hall

  • All residents vote at the Wells Junior High School Gymnasium located at 1470 Post Road, Wells, ME on the day of Town Meeting/ Elections. 

    Town Hall

Footer FAQs

5

  • The Transfer Station is Open:

    Tuesday - Friday
    8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Saturday
    8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Closed Holidays
    Hours subject to change.

    Footer FAQs

  • The Town has a Pay Per Bag program. Bags are available at selected local stores as well as the Town Hall and Transfer Station. The Transfer Station also accepts recyclables. Please call the Transfer Station for more information.
    Footer FAQs

  • Pay-as-you-Throw trash bags can be purchased at the following locations: 

    Aubuchon Hardware

    ClipperMart

    Cumberland Farms 

    Hannaford Supermarket 

    Rite Aid 

    Spillers Farm Store

    Wells IGA

    Wells Town Hall.

    Footer FAQs

  • Recycling is free. The more you recycle the less trash you will generate and more you can save on orange bag purchases. Separate your recyclables at home ahead of time to reduce time and congestion when delivering your recycling to the Transfer Station.  The Transfer Station sorts Recycling into two ways: (1) All paper products; and (2) Co-mingled Recycling which includes glass, plastics and metals.   Please refer to the Transfer Station Brochure for more complete details. 

    Footer FAQs

  • The Town Hall is open Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exceptions are for federal / state holidays and weather emergencies.

    Footer FAQs

Planning Board

6

  • The Planning Board is responsible for reviewing all subdivision applications and larger development proposals requiring site plan review. See the Land Use Ordinance (Chapter 145 of Town Code) and Subdivision Ordinance (Chapter 202 of the Town Code) for more information on requirements and processes.

    See the Planning Department page for information and application forms. The Planning Board also participates in overall planning for the town and is involved in all proposed changes to the Land Use and Subdivision Ordinances.
    Planning Board

  • The Planning Board meets 2 times per month, usually on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month in the Littlefield Meeting Room located in Town Hall. Meetings typically begin at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public, however, not all meetings include public hearings.


    If you wish to attend a meeting and / or speak at a meeting it is recommended you call the Planning Office to confirm meeting dates and times and to confirm that the project you wish to speak about is scheduled for a public hearing. Meetings are typically televised on the town public access channel. Review our meeting calendar for additional details.

    Planning Board

  • When the Planning Board receives an application, they must consider scheduling a site walk of the property. The Planning Board typically schedules site walks for Saturday mornings, but it is always recommended that interested parties contact the Planning Office to confirm a date and time for a project of interest.

    Site walks are open to the public and are held with a few Planning Board members, the applicant, the applicant's engineers, and concerned abutters in attendance. This is an opportunity for all attendants to better grasp the proposal, determine areas of concern or needed attention, and ask some general questions about the proposal. The results of the site walk will be formally reported at the next available Planning Board meeting.

    Attendees of all site walks participate at their own risk and should keep in mind weather conditions, terrain, and be properly dressed and equipped. 

    Planning Board

  • To be considered for a position on the Planning Board one must be a year-round resident of the Town of Wells. All members and alternate members are volunteers who are able to devote 2 Monday evenings per month and an occasional Saturday morning for Planning Board meetings and scheduled site walks.


    If you are interested in volunteering for a position on the Planning Board please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to fill out an application. As positions on the Planning Board become available, volunteer applications will be presented to the Board of Selectmen and a volunteer will be selected and appointed.

    Planning Board

  • If you have received an abutter notice for a subdivision or site plan application, this means a development is proposed on a lot that neighbors or is across the street from your own lot. It is recommended you call or visit the town Planning Office to review the proposal to better understand what is proposed.

    Any comments or concerns you have should be made in writing and submitted to the Planning Office. Your comments will then be given to the applicant and the Planning Board members for review.
    Planning Board

  • The Planning Board does not schedule Subdivision site walks during the months of January, February and March. Site walks for site plans may be held during the winter months if the weather and ground conditions permit.  If the ground is covered with snow or there is inclement weather the Planning Board may decide to postpone a scheduled site walk.  The town meeting calendar will note if a scheduled site walk has been postponed.  When possible, the Planning Board will reschedule a site walk that was cancelled at the next available Planning Board meeting; or will have to wait until April to hold a site walk. If there is a concern about weather, it is recommended attendants call the Planning Office to confirm if a site walk will be held or not.

    Planning Board

Staff Review Committee

5

  • The Staff Review Committee reviews site plan applications that propose up to 6,000 square feet of gross floor area and / or land area; or fewer than 25 additional parking spaces; and the property is not subject to a prior site plan approval by a higher reviewing authority or the former Site Review Board. See the Land Use Reviewing Authority Chart in the Town Code chapter 145 for more information.
    Staff Review Committee

  • The Staff Review Committee typically meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Meetings typically begin at 9 a.m. and are held in the Town Hall Littlefield Meeting Room. To review meeting dates see our Meeting Calendar and Deadlines page.

    Staff Review Committee

  • Staff Review Committee membership consists of representatives for the Road Commissioner, the Fire Chief, the Police Chief, the Code Enforcement Officer, and the Planning Director.
    Staff Review Committee

  • The Staff Review Committee does not conduct formal site walks or public hearings like the Planning Board does. Members of the public are welcome to attend Staff Review Committee meetings but must understand that these meetings are not public hearings and comments from the public are taken at the discretion of the committee.

    All decisions made by the Staff Review Committee must be unanimous; if a vote for an application is not unanimous the application must go to the Planning Board, where votes are not required to be unanimous.
    Staff Review Committee

  • If you have received an abutter notice this means a development is proposed on a lot that neighbors or is across the street from your own lot. It is recommended abutters or those concerned call or visit the Planning Office to review the application as soon as possible.

    Any comments, questions or concerns should be made in writing and submitted to the Planning Office so the Staff Review Committee can be made aware of possible issues that may exist.
    Staff Review Committee

Assessing Department - General FAQs

18

  • The assessment year is April 1st of each year as set by state law. The ownership and condition of all property is fixed as of that date each year. Any ownership changes or improvements to the property made after the April 1st date will not change the tax bill. Those changes will be reflected the next April 1st date.
    The fiscal year is July 1st thru June 30th. This is the year of the budget approved at the town meeting in June of each year. The tax bills issued in November covers the period of July 1st June 30th.
    The commitment date is the date set each year when the Tax Assessor commits the town’s assessment roll to the Tax Collector to allow for the receipt of payment.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • In accordance with state statute, we are required to commit property taxes to the owner of record as of April 1st, the state-wide assessment date. The former owner's name is still listed because the sale took place after the date of April 1st.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • We are required, by law, to commit property taxes to the owner of record as of April 1st. Whoever the owner was on that date, is the name that will appear on the bill. It would be in your best interest to forward this bill to the new owner in a timely manner. While they are now the owners of the property at risk, your name is on the bill and you are responsible for the taxes. We would encourage you to check your closing statement carefully to see how the proration of taxes was handled.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • Mobile homes and travel trailers are considered by law to be chattel. They are not transferred by deed. Therefore, we must rely on either buyers or sellers to provide us with bills of sale on these types of property in a timely manner. State law says that we assess this type of property to the last known owner of record. It would benefit buyers and sellers of these properties to consider prorating the taxes on these units, as you would in a real estate transfer.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • The annual budget is set by way of the Town Meeting which occurs in June of each year. The tax rate is calculated by dividing the approved budget amount by the town’s total assessed property value, which is determined by the assessor after the yearly property review is done and new information processed which spans from the spring to the fall of each year.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • Mobile homes, campers, travel trailers and park models in Maine are assessed if they are on site as of April 1st of each year. The tax bill for the fiscal year is based on the preceding April 1st. There is nothing in State Law to allow for proration of taxes based on removal of the property. Please keep in mind that the first year your unit was on site in Wells, it was most likely put there after April 1st and you did not receive a tax bill that year.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • Market value is the most probable price that a property will bring if offered for sale in the open market and sold as an arms-length transaction. A purchase price does not necessarily represent true market value if any special circumstances are involved in the sale.
    Special circumstances include, but are not limited to:
    • An abutter, or a lease-holder
    • Financial duress
    • Sale to a family member
    Obviously, the more arms-length transactions that an assessor has to work with, the better any adjustments will be as a result.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • An arms-length transaction is a sale between a willing buyer and seller that isn't affected by any extraneous circumstances that might have caused the purchase price to be adjusted from the standard price. In order to consider sales that aren't arms-length transactions, we would have to rate the level of impact to the price, which would be a speculative task at best.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • Your tax assessed value at 100% average ratio is usually within 10% higher or lower than an actual sale might be.
    While individual appraisals are opinions of property value based on a specific date and time and for a specific reason (refinancing, estate planning, etc), tax assessment is based on the mass appraisal method which deals with averages of sales in specific areas in a specific time period. Sales occurring after the assessment date are then part of the ongoing inventory of sales that determine when the next revaluation might occur.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • Although the real estate sales market has improved, we are not seeing the excesses of sales that occurred between 8 and 10 years ago.
    It does not mean that your property is necessarily listed or assessed too high. If the asking price is reduced enough, someone will buy your property, often times as an investment towards the future.
    The worst situation that anyone could find themselves in is where one would have to sell their property.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • The average ratio of 100% is the goal in assessing. If the town drops down below an average of 70% ratio (sales being higher than assessed value) and has a quality rating higher than 20, the state will tell us that it is time for us to consider a revaluation.
    This will also happen when the average ratio climbs above 110% and has a quality rating of higher than 20. We have recently undergone the revaluation process which has adjusted values both up and down to a level closer to the desired average ratio of 100%.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • We would not automatically reduce your assessment if you paid $50,000 less, nor would we automatically increase it if you paid $50,000 more for it. This information would be kept in our inventory of sales to be used at such time that another revaluation would occur.
    What we would do is go over the information that we have on your property to make sure that we are assessing it correctly. The law does not allow for spot assessment. Unless a change in a property's land value is made for a specific reason pertaining to that specific property, any standard adjustments would have to be applied to all properties to maintain equity in valuation.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • A mortgage appraisal is an opinion of value. You probably paid for it, but it wasn’t done for you, it was done for the lending institution. Its purpose is to assess risk.
    We like to review the appraisal to make sure that the basic data agrees with what we have on file. We also pay close attention to the comparable sales used in the appraisal, and often develop our own list of comparable sales. At that point, we have already checked our records to see if our information is correct and will then meet with you to discuss the issue.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • No, you do not have to let us in. In order to make the process as fair as possible, however, each property should be fairly assessed on what is actually there, and not left to guess or interpretation. If you deny us permission to do an interior inspection, you may lose your right to appeal an assessment based on our estimation.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • Improvements made to your property, and any change in data discovered through inspection or online advertising if your property is listed for sale. In fact, you do not have to make any changes to your property for your value to change. A revaluation or a simple factoring of value will result in a change.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • We keep a close eye on sale prices, doing ratio studies each month as the information is received. A revaluation is typically done when the average ratio falls below 70% or rises above the 110% state guidelines and a solid trend is established.
    Now that our cost and depreciation schedules have been rebuilt and updated, it may be possible to make yearly adjustments following the trend of sale value, whether up or down, thereby avoiding steep valuation cliffs where properties increase or decrease dramatically.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • The fact that you have a high tax bill is not, in itself, a valid reason for appeal.
    The first thing you should do is come into the office or go online and review the information regarding your property to determine if it is cataloged correctly. Equity in assessment can be checked by reviewing other properties in your vicinity to see if they are being assessed using the same standards. The land around you should be assessed as yours is, and if not, there should be a rational explanation as to why it isn’t.
    For example, if you have a cape-style home in a subdivision where all lots are somewhat the same size, the assessments are generally similar. What might make them different is the size and quality of the home, or the proximity to a view, for example. You can review sales that have occurred in your area. Another way to analyze the situation would be through an appraisal done for the purpose of disputing a tax assessment.
    Assessing Department - General FAQs

  • By state statute, each taxpayer has 185 days from the commitment date to submit an application for abatement. We encourage you to come in and review your property information with us before you file a formal application.

    If you do end up filing an application, we have 60 days to respond. If you do not agree with the assessor’s determination, you can file an appeal with the local Board of Assessment Review. If you do not agree with the BAR decision, you can appeal to Superior Court.

    Assessing Department - General FAQs

Sex Offender FAQ

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  • Unless there are court-ordered restrictions, sex offenders are constitutionally allowed to live wherever they choose. The Wells Police Department does not have the legal authority to dictate where sex offenders can live.
    Sex Offender FAQ

  • The Wells Police verify home, work, and school addresses of all sex offenders in our community. We obtain current photographs and fingerprints for resident sex offenders. That information is shared with the State of Maine Sex Offender Registry to keep the registry up to date. We also do community notifications.
    Sex Offender FAQ

  • Our community notifications involve the distribution of a bulletin when registered sex offenders move, work, or attend school in our community. The bulletin is distributed by hand to residents within approximately ¼ mile from the sex offender’s place of residence, work, or school. Additionally, we post the bulletin at public locations around Wells and maintain an email distribution list for those interested.
    Sex Offender FAQ

  • The State of Maine categorizes sex offenders as either 10 year registrants or lifetime registrants based on the amount of time they are required to be on the registry. Lifetime registrants are those who have been convicted of a sexually violent offense or have multiple convictions for a sex offense or offense that includes the essential elements of a sex offense or sexually violent offense. A 10 year registrant is a person who has been convicted of a sex offense.
    Sex Offender FAQ

  • Sex offenders and other criminals have always lived in our communities often without us being aware of their existence or criminal history. Offenders listed on the Maine Sex Offender Registry have all served the sentence required by the court system and are released under the supervision of law enforcement, corrections personnel, and the Maine Sex Offender Registry.
    Sex Offender FAQ

  • Parents and guardians should be aware of grooming behaviors exhibited by known or unknown sex offenders. Grooming behaviors are actions deliberately undertaken with the goal of befriending a child in order to lower a child’s sexual inhibitions or establish an intimate friendship in preparation for the eventual act of sexual intercourse with the child.

    Maintain open lines of communication with your children.

    Share safety tips with your children, including Internet safety.

    Query the Maine Sex Offender Registry periodically to identify registered sex offenders in your community. Additional queries can be made of the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Registry.

    Statistics indicate that 90 percent of all sex crimes are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a family member or acquaintance.
    Sex Offender FAQ

  • Report suspicious activity to the Wells Police Department.

    Sex Offender FAQ

Transfer Station

2

  • The Transfer Station, located at 386 Willie Hill Road in Wells, is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

    The facility is closed on holidays.

    Hours are subject to change.

    Transfer Station

  • Aubuchon Hardware and Sherwin Williams in Wells accept leftover paint. This service is available for Households and Businesses

    • Limit-5 gallons per visit

    Paint Disposal in Wells


    Transfer Station

Town Clerk

4

  • Dog licenses are handled by the Town Clerk's Office. Forms are available at Town Hall, located at 208 Sanford Road. Cats do not require a license.

    Town Clerk

  • Dog licenses are due by January 1st each year. Bring current rabies and neutering certificates, if applicable. Fee for male / female is $11, neutered / spayed is $6. This may be done by mail with updated information. Send certificate(s), fee, and a SASE to: Wells Town Clerk 208 Sanford Road Wells, ME 04090 For more information, please call 207-646-2882.

    Town Clerk

  • Visit the Town Meeting page to find out the date and time for upcoming poll openings here.   Please call the Town Clerk’s Office with questions at 207-646-2882.

    Town Clerk

  • All elections in Wells are held at the Wells Junior High School Gymnasium at 1470 Post Road (next to the Wells Library). Voter parking is located around the back of the Wells Junior High School building. Please follow the signs. Entry to the polling place is at the back of the building, Door #10. Use of the front parking area and front entrances of the school is strongly discouraged.

    Town Clerk

Volunteers

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  • We have many volunteer opportunities available: Boards, Commissions or Committees, Piping Plover Monitors, Healthy Beaches Water Quality Monitors, Library or Recreation. To volunteer, please complete a Volunteer Application, either online or through the Volunteer Application form. 

    Volunteers

  • Applying to become a volunteer is just a click away! Apply today online by following the link below.  Please be sure to complete the application at one time, your responses will not be saved if you close out of the application before submitting it. 

    Volunteers

  • Please complete the Town of Wells Volunteer Application form linked below and return by mail or by email.  

    Volunteer Application

    Return by mail to:

    Rebekah Kelley
    Volunteer and Communications Coordinator
    Wells Town Office
    208 Sanford Rd
    Wells, Maine 04090

    Or email to: 

    rkelley@wellstown.org

    Please include "Volunteer Application" in the subject of your email.  

    Volunteers

  • Your Volunteer Application will remain active for 3 years. After that time, you will be required to reapply to any openings for Boards/ Committees that you are interested in.

    Volunteers

  • The Wells Public Library is seeking passionate, enthusiastic individuals to volunteers their time and efforts. 

    Please complete and submit the Wells Library Volunteer Application to be considered for a role. 

    Wells Public Library Volunteer Application

    If you are under the age of 18, please return the form directly to: 

    Cindy Appleby
    Wells Public Library
    1434 Post Road
    Wells, Maine 04090

    If you are over the age of 18, please return the completed form, as well as a background check to:

    Rebekah Kelley
    Wells Town Office
    208 Sanford Road
    Well, Maine 04090

    or email to rkelley@wellstown.org

    Please include "Library Volunteer Application" in your email.

    Volunteers

  • The Recreation Department is always looking for new programs to offer to the community. If you have any interest or special talents and you would like to offer a program through us please fill out the Recreation Department's Volunteer / Coaches application, visit their volunteer page, or contact Tina LeBlanc at 207-646-5826. 

    Please do not submit a general Volunteer Application form. 

    Volunteers

Code Enforcement Office

2

  • When is a Building Permit Required?

    The information is based on the most frequently asked question to the Code Enforcement Office


    Posting the permit BEFORE you start the work is required by Code

    Permits are required to build and/or move onto the property a new structure and/or enlarge, alter, repair, renovate, remodel and update any existing structure.  This includes new and replacing: 

    • Sheds, decks, generators, gazebos, solar systems, landscape walls that retain soil and seawalls (timber or concrete) also require permitting.   Fences over 7’ in height that are moved onto, built or rebuilt require permitting for Residential and Commercial uses.   All structures require permits. Even if structures are built off-site and brought to the site, they still require permitting.
    • Any window replacement and exterior door replacement in residential use and all doors and windows in commercial use.
    • Above ground and inground swimming pools as well as hot tubs require permits for Residential and Commercial uses.
    • Demolition or removal of a structure (hazard determination may also be required) for Residential and Commercial uses.
    • Any existing structure that is adding a new use or occupancy; to include changing the use of the unit/structure or updating the unit/structure with the same use for Residential and Commercial uses.
    • Buildings/structures moved into or within the Town of Wells for Residential and Commercial uses.
    • Installation or replacement of a sign or banner prior to it being erected for Residential and Commercia uses.
    • Driveway openings may require permits for one of the following: new, relocated or altered.
    • New Recreational Vehicles and Park Models brought on site after March 1, 2024, that do not have a valid registration and license plate affixed to it requires a permit. All add-a-rooms, decks, stairs and sheds require permits in Recreational Parks/Campgrounds and are not date sensitive.  

    COMMON QUESTIONS

    • Replacing, building or placing stairs, handrails and guardrails on a deck, staircase or within any structure requires a permit.
    • Replacing any window/door(s) to include exact replacement windows requires a permit.
    • Renovating/updating a kitchen requires a permit.
    • Adding, removing or replacing insulation or sheet rock requires a permit.  Water damage does not exempt the permitting requirement.

    Plumbing permits are also required by the Code.

    Permits are not issued the same day.  Permits are reviewed in the order that they are received.  We recognize that your project is important to you and no project is too big or too small to be ahead of yours.  When incomplete applications are submitted, it slows down the review process for everyone in the queue.  Please submit the required documentation so that we can get your project reviewed!   Currently, it is taking up to 14 +/- business days to review a permit with 2 Code Officers reviewing plans full-time. 

    We encourage you to call or email the Code Office if you are not sure if a permit is required to avoid a Stop Work Order and the associated fees.  Application for a Standard Building Permit.  Application for Accessory Structure permits

    And remember, posting the permit in a location that can be seen from the public way is important so that everyone knows you have a Building Permit! 

    If you are not sure what will be required for your project, please call the Code Office at 207-646-5187 or click the Red Request Information button at the top of the Code Office page and we will respond as quickly as we can.

    Code Enforcement Office

  • 1.The following criteria will be used in the review process in determining those projects that will need to be pinned prior to pouring concrete for footings/foundations. a. Projects with structures that are within five feet of any setbacks/buffers. b. Projects with structures that fall within a specified building window/envelope that is within five feet of any specified control points/lines within the building window/envelope. c. Projects that have required building to building distances. d. Projects deemed by this office as necessary based on the above factors, and or past practices, as well as for any projects where a distance or factor warrants consideration. 2.The following outlines the process for compliance this office is requiring. a. Prior to pouring concrete the footing/foundation will be pinned and clearly marked by a professional Surveyor/Engineer. b. A formal letter from the individual or company who pinned the site is also required. The letter must be on company letter head and signed. The letter should indicate the Map/Lot, address/location of where the work was completed and a brief statement indicating work completed; referencing the site pinned meets all required setbacks as outlined on the plot or site plan that was submitted for the project. 3.If a Code Enforcement official arrives for a scheduled inspections and the site is not pinned, and the letter has not been received the footings will not be inspected, which could delay your construction schedule, plan accordingly. 4.This policy has been in place for some time now, and is typically stated under the Zoning and Planning conditions of a permit. For all projects that have had Planning Board/Staff Review approval this condition is also noted on your approved site plans.

    Code Enforcement Office

Planning & Development

5

  • Please contact the Office of Planning & Development with some suggested dates and time of day for your pre-construction meeting. We will co-ordinate with the appropriate Town Departments, town third party inspectors and other utility companies that have interest in the development. Once a date and time is set we will contact you so that you can co-ordinate with your contractors and subcontractors. Pre-Construction meetings are held at Town Hall.

    Planning & Development

  • The initial submission of a site or subdivision application is strictly required to be provided to the Planning Office no later than 4 PM on the dates specified within the submission deadline calendar provided on this website here and posted in Town Hall. A good rule of thumb is no later than 4 PM, 10 business days before a desired scheduled meeting.

    Planning & Development

  • The Office of Planning & Development is happy to mail notices to abutters on your behalf as this can provide some savings in postage costs for the applicant and ensures that the most up to date mailing addresses and all applicable abutters are notified of your proposed development. If you wish to prepare your own notices, we recommend you contact the Planning Office so we can assist you in preparing an accurate abutter mailing list. 

    Planning & Development

    • Copies of the site plan or subdivision plan for Planning Board applications to be provided in 1 of the following ways:

     3 plans measuring 24" by 36 inches plus 9 plans measuring 11" by 17 inches; or

     12 plans measuring 24" by 36 inches.  Please have plans pre-folded.


    • Copies of the site plan for Staff Review Committee applications in 1 of the following ways:

     3 plans measuring 24" by 26 inches plus 5 plans measuring 11" by 17 inches; or

     8 plans measuring 24" by 36 inches. Please have plans pre-folded. 

    Planning & Development

  • For applications seeking approval to operate a business the Town requires the business obtain site plan approval. The site plan is reviewed by the proper Reviewing Authority.  The Reviewing Authority for site plan approvals could be (1) the Code Enforcement Officer and Town Planner, the (2) Staff Review Committee, or the (3) Planning Board.  The Reviewing Authority Chart  defines which applications go before which Reviewing Authority.


    For applications seeking subdivision approval for dwelling units and lots, the Town requires the subdivision obtain subdivision approval by the Planning Board. 

    Planning & Development

General FAQs

4

  • The Transfer Station, located at 386 Willie Hill Road in Wells, is open Tuesday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday - 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays. Hours subject to change.

    General FAQs

  • Residents are required to purchase a roll of Pay-As-You Throw bags. These bags are orange in color with the town seal imprinted on the side of the bag. Bags are available in 3 sizes:

    • 15 gallon for $8.00 for a roll of 5 bags
    • 33 gallon for $10.50 for a roll of 5 bags
    • 45 gallon for $20.50 for a roll of 5 bags.

    Bags must be tied shut with nothing sticking out. Bags must then be brought to the Wells Transfer Station for proper disposal. An attendant can direct you to the appropriate area for trash disposal.

    Large waste and bulky items that do not fit in the orange bags are subject to extra fees. An attendant must evaluate the item, determine a fee and receive payment prior to placing the item in the disposal area.

    General FAQs

  • The bags are sold are various locations around town:

    • Aubuchon Hardware, 1165 Post Road
    • Hannaford Supermarket, 107 Wells Plaza
    • Walgreens Wells, 1036 Post Road
    • Spiller's Farm Store, 1054 Branch Road
    • Wells Town Hall 208 Sanford Road
    • Wells Transfer Station, 386 Willey Hill Road
    General FAQs

  • Town Hall is open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each Month 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Exceptions are for federal / state holidays and weather emergencies.

    General FAQs

Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

10

  • 1. Provide a copy of the Bill of Sale to the Assessor’s Office. Copies can be sent via email to assessor@wellstown.org or by postal mail to Assessor, 208 Sanford Rd, Wells, ME 04090. The Bill of Sale should include the seller’s name, buyer’s name, location and description of the unit, date of sale, sale price, and mailing address where the buyer will receive the tax bill. 

    2. Apply for a State of Maine title (for units 1995 model year or newer). Applications for a title can be obtained at the town’s Finance & Tax Collection office, at Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle branch offices, or by contacting the Title Unit in Augusta at (207) 624-9000 x52138. 

    3. If you purchased a camper or trailer (including park models) and the seller did not collect sales tax, file an Individual Use Tax Return (IUSE) with the State of Maine. Forms are available online from the Maine Revenue Services website or at the Assessor’s Office. If you purchased a used manufactured home (mobile home), your purchase is tax exempt and you do not need to file an IUSE form. 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • By state law, if your unit was in the Town of Wells on April 1, the unit is taxable for the tax year of July 1 – June 30, and you will receive a town property tax bill in the fall. The only exceptions to this are trailers with a current State of Maine registration (license plate) as of April 1 or motorhomes. If your unit is not taxable but you have other taxable property such as a shed or deck, you will receive a bill for only the taxable items. 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • Tax bills are not prorated by the town. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to make arrangements between themselves to apportion the property tax at the time of the sale. Taxes are assessed to the owner of record on April 1, however, for your convenience, tax bills are mailed to the current owner at the time the bills are issued. 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • You must be a taxpayer in the Town of Wells to purchase a beach sticker. If your unit or other taxable property, such as a shed or deck, was in town as of April 1, you will receive a property tax bill in the fall and you are considered a taxpayer for the purpose of buying a beach sticker. If you brought your taxable property into town after April 1, you will not receive a tax bill for that year and you may not purchase a beach sticker; you will receive a tax bill and be eligible for a beach sticker the following year if your unit is still in town the following April 1. 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • Provide a copy of the Bill of Sale to the Assessor’s Office. Copies can be sent via email to assessor@wellstown.org or by postal mail to Assessor, 208 Sanford Rd, Wells, ME 04090. The Bill of Sale should include the seller’s name, buyer’s name, location and description of the unit, date of sale, sale price, and mailing address where the buyer will receive the tax bill. 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • If you sell your unit and your Bill of Sale has been submitted to the Assessor’s Office before tax bills are mailed in the fall, the tax bill will be sent to the new owner. If you receive a bill for a unit you have sold, you are responsible for forwarding the bill to the new owner. Tax bills are not prorated by the town. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to make arrangements between themselves to apportion the property tax at the time of the sale. 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • By state law, if your unit was in the Town of Wells on April 1, the unit is taxable for the tax year of July 1 – June 30. The only exceptions to this are trailers with a current State of Maine registration (license plate) as of April 1 or motorhomes. Removing your unit from the town after April 1 does not affect your property tax bill nor remove your obligation to pay property tax for that year. 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • Yes. You need to fill out an Additional Owner Form, available from the Assessor’s Office. The form must be signed by the current owner and the new additional owner(s). 

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • Beach stickers are only available to Town of Wells taxpayers and must be used on vehicles owned by or assigned to the taxpayer.

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

  • Call the Assessor’s Office at (207) 646-6081, send an email to assessor@wellstown.org, or visit us on the second floor of Town Hall at 208 Sanford Road, Wells, Maine. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, and 8 am to 6 pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

    Assessing Department - Campground FAQs

Energy Advisory Committee

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