At the annual town meeting in May, Woolwich residents will be asked to approve a new ordinance that regulates temporary businesses. Proposed by the Woolwich Planning Board, the ordinance requires vendors who run a temporary business from a roadside stand to get a permit from the town.

Town officials say the proposed new regulation is an effort to address safety concerns along Route 1.

Code Enforcement Officer Bruce Engert said the Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to make sure people selling goods are either on their own property or have permission to sell from another person's property. They also want to make sure the signage for these temporary businesses comply with DOT rules, Engert said.

Limited access along Route 1 in Woolwich and higher speeding cars merit Engert's concern about safety. “We don't want people stopping and blocking traffic,” he said. “We don't want people doing u-turns on Route 1.”

The proposed ordinance seeks to limit road hazards and trash. It also could generate some money for the town.

It defines a temporary business as one that sells goods from a temporary structure for no more than 90 consecutive days. Permits would be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer and would be valid for 90 days. The fee for such permits will be set by selectmen.

It requires vendors to keep their site clean, to post conspicuously placed signs that comply with the town's sign ordinance, to provide “adequate toilet facilities,” and to have adequate parking space not in the state right-of-way.

Those who violate the new ordinance would receive a warning for a first offense. Each offense following results in fines ranging between $50 and $300.

Private yard and garage sales, local farm stands, temporary businesses on town or school property and vending activities sponsored by nonprofit are exempt from the ordinance.

Even though the Montsweag Flea Market is a for-profit entity, Engert does not believe it will fall subject to the new rules. “The Montsweag Flea Market has been making a living from that property for years and years and years,” he said, adding this particular enterprise was established before the proposed ordinance would be put in place.

“However, I am not the final authority on this matter.” He leaves this decision up to the Planning Board and, ultimately, the voters of Woolwich.