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Chimney Fire Safety

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1. What is a chimney fire and how does it happen?

Chimney fires happen when products of incomplete combustion (soot) build up in a chimney for a fireplace or wood stove. The build-up is called creosote. Creosote is usually black or dark brown and is readily combustible. When creosote burns in a chimney it can be explosive. Often you will see flames shooting out of the top of the chimney. Creosote can also burn slowly with no exterior visible flame and put out tremendous heat. Either form of chimney fire can spread to structural members of the house through loose mortar or by the warping of metal chimneys or just from the extreme heat radiating from the fire in a metal chimney.

2. How can I prevent creosote from building up in my chimney?

Maintenance is the key. You can’t completely prevent creosote since it is a natural result of combustion. That is why it is critical that your chimney be professionally cleaned at least once a year with normal use. There are certain things that people unwittingly do that actually accelerate creosote accumulation. Some people try to make the fire last longer by cutting off most of the air supply. This does make the fire slow down but it also increases creosote which is what smoke becomes as it deposits soot on the walls of the chimney. Some people also burn firewood that is "green" (high moisture content). Water, when vaporized, expands 1,700 times in size and acts as a cooling agent. Burning green wood cools the fire and the smoke allowing creosote to build up faster. Remember these key points:

• Have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year (more often with heavy use)
• Burn only seasoned dry wood
• Keep your fires active and hot to keep the products of combustion moving up the chimney. Remember that the longer smoke is in the chimney the more likely it will build creosote on the walls of the chimney
• Never burn trash, plastic or paper in your stove or fireplace since this can ignite creosote in your chimney

3. What are the signs that a chimney fire is happening or that is has happened?

Signs that a chimney fire is happening or that is has happened include:

• The roar of a fire in the chimney (often heard in the wall of an upper floor from fireplace or stove or on a lower floor)
• Warping of metal anywhere in or on the chimney
• Creosote flakes and debris found on the ground, roof, or gutters
• Discolored or warped rain cap (at top of chimney)
• Scorching or burns in the roofing material from burning debris falling on the roof
• Visible cracks in the masonry of the chimney
• Smoke escaping through cracks in the chimney
• Smoke in the attic or visible soot build-up in the attic

4. What do I do if I have an active chimney fire?

Get everyone out of the house and call 911.

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Code Enforcement

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1. How long is a permit valid?

A building permit issued shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six (6) months after the issuance of the permit, or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of six (6) months after the time of commencing the work. A building permit is good for one year from the date of issuance. 

The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

2. How many person(s) are allowed per habitable room?

Floor Space Requirements

Every sleeping room used for sleeping purposes shall contain a minimum of seventy (70) square feet of floor area and at least fifty (50) square feet of floor area per person with all measurements based on the total habitable room area; provided that the occupancy of any dwelling unit having more than one (1) habitable room shall not exceed an average of one and one-half (1 1/2) persons per habitable room, and provided further that for the purposes of this section, a child under ten (10) years of age shall be deemed to be one-half (1/2) person.

Every dwelling unit shall contain at least one hundred (100) square feet of floor area per occupant.

3. Can my roof support the installation of a solar panel?

It depends on the specific roof construction. A stamped drawing/letter from a Maine Certified Engineer ensuring the roof structure can support the additional weight load will be required when obtaining the permit. 

4. What are the stair riser and tread requirements?

Requirements are:

• In residential use, the maximum riser height is 7 3/4 inches and the minimum tread depth is 10 inches. Tread depth is measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the reads leading edge.
• In other uses, maximum riser height is 7 3/4 inches and minimum tread depth is 10 inches.
• There shall not be a variation exceeding 3/16 inches in the depth of adjacent treads or in height of adjacent risers. The tolerance between the largest and the smallest riser or the largest and smallest tread shall not exceed 3/8 inches in any flight of stairs.
• The minimum headroom in all parts of a stairway shall not be less than 6 feet 8 inches measured vertically from the tread nosing or from the floor surface of the landing or platform.
• For winders, spiral, circular, and other types of stairs - call for requirements.
• Stairway width and landing width for one and two family dwellings shall not be less than 3 feet.

5. When is a guardrail required?

A guardrail is required when:

• Porches, balconies, or raised floor surfaces, open sides of stairs located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade.
• In one and two-family dwelling, guardrails shall not be less than 36 inches in height for porches, balconies, or raised floor surfaces, and open sides of stairs 34 inches minimum measured vertically from the nosing of the treads. If guardrails are also going to be used as handrails, see handrail section.
• In most other uses, guardrails should be at least 42 inches in height measured vertically above the leading edge of the tread or adjacent walking surface.
• Open guards shall have balusters or other construction such that a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches cannot pass through any opening.

Exception

The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread at the bottom rail at the open side of a stairway shall be of a maximum size such that a sphere 6 inches in diameter cannot pass through the opening.

6. When are graspable handrails required?

Continuously graspable handrails are required on stairs with four or more risers and mounted between 34 and 38 inches of the stair slope and not less than 1 1/2 inches from the wall. One-and-two family dwellings require one graspable handrail while Commercial and multi-family buildings require handrails on both sides. Many exterior plastic composite handrails meet these requirements.

7. How much frost protection should I have?

Foundation systems should be four (4) feet minimum below grade to protect from frost.

8. What R-Values should I insulate to?

The City of Westbrook follows the State adopted 2015 International Energy and Conservation Code; you can find the insulation code requirements in the building permit application for reference purposes; but please defer to the Code Enforcement Officer for specific requirements to your project.

9. What are ground snow load and wind speed requirements?

Ground snow load 60 (up to elevation 500)
Wind Speed 120 mph (54 m/s)

10. What size does a bedroom egress window have to be?

Every sleeping room shall have at least one (1) operable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress or rescue. The units must be operable from the inside to a full clear opening without the use of separate tools. Where a window is provided as a means of egress or rescue, they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor.

All egress or rescue windows from sleeping rooms must have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. The minimum net clear opening height dimension shall be 24 inches. The minimum net clear opening width dimension shall be 20 inches.

To calculate the square footage of the opening, multiply the width of the opening in inches by the height of the opening in inches and dividing by 144. This measurement should be 5.7 minimum.

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Code Enforcement - Lead Base Requirements

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1. What types of renovation are affected?

Any work performed for pay, including painting and remodeling, that results in the disturbance of painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities. Examples include: 

• Removal or modification of painted components such as doors
• Repairing a painted surface or preparing it for repainting by sanding, scraping, burning, or other action that may generate paint dust
• Removal of walls, ceilings, and other structures
• Re-plastering
• Re-plumbing
• Weatherization work that disturbs painted surfaces
• Window replacement

2. What types of structures are covered by the rule?

Target Housing

Housing constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless a child under age 6 years resides in or is expected to reside in such housing) and 0-bedroom dwellings.

Child-Occupied Facility

Day care, pre-school, kindergarten classroom, or other facility in a building constructed prior to 1978 that is visited regularly by the same child under age 6, on at least two different days within any week, provided that each day's visit lasts at least 3 hours and the combined weekly visits last at least 6 hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours.

3. What actions must renovators take for each project in a home or child-occupied facility?

Actions include:

1. Deliver information pamphlet to occupants before beginning work (already required)
   
2. Place a visible sign defining the work area and warning occupants not to enter it
   
3. Isolate/contain the work area so that no visible dust or debris leaves the work area
   
4. Contain, store, and transport renovation waste material safely to prevent release of and access to dust and debris
   
5. Avoid banned practices such as using high-temperature heat gun, torch, and uncontrolled use of machines such as power sander and plane
   
6. After completing work, clean the work area until no visible dust, debris or residue remains
   
7. After cleaning, conduct post-cleaning verification or dust clearance sampling
   
8. After all interior work area passes cleaning verification or dust clearance sampling and all exterior work area passes the visual inspection, remove the warning sign

4. When does the rule go into effect?

As of April 22, 2010, all renovation work in target housing must be conducted by certified firms, certified renovators, and workers who have had on the job training regarding job-specific work practices. States may adopt the rules with different timeframes.

5. What must a renovation professional do to comply?

An individual renovator must complete a renovator training course accredited by Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state program and obtain a renovator certification from EPA or a state program.

6. What must a renovation firm do to prepare to comply?

A renovation firm must be certified and employ at least one trained, certified renovator, who must provide uncertified workers with on-the-job training on job-specific work practices.

7. Who will certify renovators and accredit training courses?

The Environmental Protection Agency will delegate the renovation program to any state or tribe that seeks authorization to administer it and demonstrates that its program will be at least as protective as the Environmental Protection Agency’s. States have the option to make the rule more protective than the Environmental Protection Agency. New Hampshire and 38 other states have accepted delegation of Environmental Protection Agency’s rules for lead abatement.

8. Are there exceptions to the requirements?

The following exemptions to the rule apply:

• Abatement: Activities conducted under abatement rules by certified abatement contractor.
• Minor Repair or Maintenance Activities: Activities that will, within a 30-day period, disturb less than 6 square feet per room for interior activities; or 20 square feet for exterior activities. Exemption does not apply to window replacement; demolition; or use of banned practices.
• No lead-based paint will be disturbed as determined by:
  • Proper use of Environmental Protection Agency-recognized test kit by certified renovator
  • Testing of paint by certified lead inspector or risk assessor
• Do-It-Yourself: Work performed by an owner an owner-occupied residence.

9. Are there any other limits to the scope of the rule?

Additional limits include:

• Emergency Renovations Not Due to an Elevated Blood Level: May be exempt from information distribution, warning signs, containment, waste handling, training and certification requirements; cleaning requirements, cleaning verification, and recordkeeping still required.
  
• Emergency Renovations in Response to Elevated Blood Lead in Resident Child: Interim controls are exempt only from advance information distribution requirements.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response FAQs

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1. How do I sign up for City emails?

Click on the Notify Me link on our home page. www.westbrookmaine.com

2. To get meals through the school, do you have to fill out the request form everyday?

Just once is okay. Some people are doing it weekly.

3. Which programs are happening at the Westbrook Community Center?

All non-essential programs at the Westbrook Community Center are suspended until further notice and the building is closed to the public. All inquires should be directed to Greg Post, Director of Community Services, at gpost@westbrook.me.us. The Community Center will continue to provide online updates at www.WestbrookCommunityCenter.org and www.Facebook.com/WestbrookCommunityCenter.

4. Does the City issued State of Emergency mean I have to close my business?

The Emergency Proclamation declared by Mayor Michael T. Foley pertains only to the municipality. For statewide mandates please visit www.maine.gov

5. Is there a plan in place for children entering Kindergarten in the fall?

Yes. The School Department will be preparing to welcome Kindergarten students in the fall.

6. Is Meals on Wheels still delivering?

Meals on Wheels will continue to deliver prepared meals to homebound older adults in the Westbrook and Portland communities.  For more information, please call 207.878.3285.

7. When is the Westbrook Food Pantry open?

• The Westbrook Community Food & Resource Center will be open on Tuesdays, 12-2pm and again from 5-7pm. Visitors to the Pantry should go to exterior Door #25, which is located at the front of the building, where volunteers will provide pre-packaged bags of food for Westbrook residents. Should you have any questions, please call 207.591.8147.

8. How do I set up a General Assistance Meeting?

All General Assistance meetings will be by appointment only, or over the phone whenever possible. To schedule an appointment, please contact their office directly at 207.591.7015. 

Available to Westbrook residents only.

9. Can I drop off a form to the Westbrook Police Department?

Westbrook PD would ask that people not come to the station to fill out a records request form, property request form, or to drop off concealed weapons permits. 

Records request forms and property requests forms are available the PD website under the FAQ section.  

Applications for concealed weapons permits can be mailed to the station, Attn. Ms. Wanda Martin - 570 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092

10. Is the police department doing any drug take-backs during this time?

No they will not be offering take-backs at this time. 

11. Is the police department offering fingerprinting services to the community?

We will not be offering fingerprinting services to the community at this time.

12. What are the digital library resources available to me?

Walker Memorial Library has compiled a list of digital resources available to you for free or with your library card. Please visit https://walkerlibrary.org/digital-resources for more information.

For more information and updates about the library, please go to walkerlibrary.org.

13. Can I download e-Books and audiobooks online?

You can download e-Books and audiobooks on your computer, Amazon Kindle Fire HD, Android tablets, Android phones, iPhone, and iPad with your library card. To download the cloudLibrary app on your device, please go to https://yourcloudlibrary.com, select what kind of device you have, and follow the instructions on how to install them. Any questions, please e-mail us at info@walkerlibrary.org.

14. Can I renew my library card?

Yes, please e-mail us at info@walkerlibrary.org with your library card number.

15. Can I get help with reference questions and general technology questions?

Yes, please e-mail us at info@walkerlibrary.org with your questions.

16. Can I arrange a burial at Woodlawn Cemetery?

Woodlawn Cemetery is currently closed for burials for the winter months. Although we are experiencing an early spring, with the Corona Virus complications, we are remaining closed. We will reevaluate this on April 15^th.

17. Will my street get plowed if it snows?

Public Services is operating at full staff and is ready to handle any weather related event.

18. Will winter sand still be available at Public Services?

Winter sand will be available 24/7 until April 15^th.

19. Can I get a bulky item picked up curbside?

During this time, bulky items will not be collected curbside. Bulky items can be brought to Casella Waste at 594 County Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-4pm and

Saturdays 8am-1pm.

20. Will the City continue to pick up curbside trash and recycling?

Curbside trash and recycling is an essential service that will continue as normal.

21. Is City Hall open?

All municipal facilities are closed to the general public until further notice.

Please visit the city’s Online Services page http://www.westbrookmaine.com/388/Online-Services to conduct transactions online.

22. Will Police, Fire and Rescue and Public Services be available during the State of Emergency?

Police, Fire & Rescue, and Public Services will remain fully operational during the current Public Health Emergency.

If you have an emergency please dial 9-1-1.

23. What online services can I use?

Please visit http://www.westbrookmaine.com/388/Online-Services for a list of all of the City’s online services.

24. Will City Council meetings occur?

All public meetings have been canceled at this time. 

25. Will Planning Board meetings occur?

All public meetings are canceled at this time.

26. Will Zoning Board meetings occur?

All public meetings are canceled at this time.

27. Can I get a birth, death or marriage certificate?

You may apply for a vital record by mail or online. Click here for more information.

28. Can I schedule an appointment for a marriage license and/or get married at City Hall?

As City Hall is temporarily closed to the public, we are not taking appointments for marriage licenses at this time, nor performing wedding ceremonies at this time. Marriage licenses may be issued via mail upon receipt of notarized intentions, the $40.00 fee and documentation how the last marriage ended.   The marriage license will be returned to the parties by mail.  Signatures can be obtained by the person performing the marriage when the marriage is performed.

29. Can you notarize a document for me?

As City Hall is temporarily closed to the public, we are not providing notary or Dedimus Justice services at this time. However, click here to access the State of Maine’s Total Notary Solution to find a notary in your area.

30. Can I get a dog license?

Dog license applications can be completed and mailed in to the office. Click here for the application and for additional details.

31. Do I have to close my bar, restaurant or gym?

Based on The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Days to Slow the Spread, in communities
where transmission has occurred, bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues where groups of people
congregate should be closed. We urge compliance to this guideline and everyone should use drive-thru,
pickup, or delivery options. This is not a mandate at this time, however, we urge compliance.

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Excise Taxes

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1. Where do I pay the Excise Tax?

Excise Tax is paid at the local town office where the owner of the vehicle resides. When a vehicle needs to be registered, an excise tax is collected prior to the registration.

2. How much is the Excise Tax?

The amount of tax is determined by two things:

• The age of the vehicle
• MSRP (manufactured suggested retail price)

3. How is the Excise Tax on vehicles calculated?

Excise Tax is calculated by multiplying the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) by the mill rate as shown below. The rates drop back on January 1 of each year.

Year	Mill Rate
Year 1	0.0240
Year 2	0.0175
Year 3	0.0135
Year 4	0.0100
Year 5	0.0065
Year 6	0.0040

For example, a 3-year old car with an MSRP of $19,500 would pay $263.25.

4. Where does the Excise Tax go?

The town that collects the excise tax can use it as revenue towards the annual town budget. Typically, the revenue is spent on local road maintenance, construction and repair.

5. Why is the tax based on manufacture's suggested retail price (MSRP)?

Excise Tax was designed with equity in mind. In 1925, this tax was enacted as a Maine law. At that time, the State Legislature decided that the fairest tax assessment would be based on what the manufacturer suggested it sell for.

This law has remained in effect for over 75 years to ensure that everyone who drives the same vehicle pay the same amount of tax.

6. Where can a town get the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)?

There are several resources for the MSRP that will provide the information on the retail price of a vehicle. New vehicles are required to have a window sticker that must be must be presented on first-time registrations.

Many towns have adopted software and can actually use the VIN number in order to get the MSRP of that vehicle.

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Footer FAQs

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1. Where can I find the Charter & Code of Ordinances?

The City's Charter & Code of Ordinances is published online through eCode360. 

2. How do I apply for General Assistance?

General Assistance helps individuals and families meet their basic needs. To contact Westbrook's General Assistance & Social Services Office, call 207-854-0676. Phone calls are returned in the order in which they are received. Each person needs to complete an application for eligibility determination. Appointments are required. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm, and on Fridays from 8am to 2pm. 

3. Where do I pay excise tax?

Excise tax is paid at the local municipal office where the owner of the  vehicle resides. When a vehicle needs to be registered, an excise tax is collected prior to the registration.

4. How do I get copies of a Police or Accident Report?

To get copies of an accident report, please visit the Maine Crash Reporting website or the Buy Crash - Lexis Nexis website to obtain a copy of a report.

To get copies of a Police report, please fill out the Police Department Records Request Form (DOC). The form is available in the lobby of the Public Safety Building or online available for download and printing, Police Department Records Request Form (DOC). The request forms can be dropped off at the Public Safety Building or mailed to the Westbrook Police Department, addressed to the Records Administrator. There are fees associated with purchasing a report - please see the request form for the amount. Payment is due before any reports can be released, and checks should be made out to the City of Westbrook. If you are requesting a copy of report that is in the court system, we cannot provide that to you. You will need to go through the discovery process with the District Attorney's Office.

5. What is the City's Fireworks Ordinance?

Fireworks are prohibited in the City of Westbrook, except for on December 31, July 4 and July 5. Fireworks are allowed on December 31 and July 4 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. the following day (January 1 and July 5). Fireworks are allowed on July 5 from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. (If July 5 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the end time is 12:30 a.m. on July 6). To use fireworks on those three days, you must obtain a fireworks permit from the City. You can obtain these at the Public Safety Building for $10.

6. How do I get a library card?

Walker Memorial Library cards are available at no charge to all Westbrook residents, taxpayers, students attending Westbrook schools, and employees of Westbrook businesses. Library cards are available to non-residents for a $25.00 annual fee.

To obtain a library card:

• Visit the Walker Memorial Library.
• Bring your picture I.D. and proof of mailing and residential addresses (utility bill, voter’s registration card, etc.). 
• If you are age 12 or younger, your parent or guardian must be present and provide identification.

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General Assistance

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1. How can I apply for General Assistance?

To apply for General Assistance, call 207-591-7015 to schedule an appointment. Phone calls are returned in the order in which they are received. Each person needs to complete an application in order to determine eligibility. Appointments are required. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

2. What should I bring to my interview?

Signed lease / rental agreement, current bank statement, proof of household income & expenses, employment verification / paystubs, medical statement if unable to work, photo ID, passport & immigration papers if applicable, social security cards for all household members, correspondence from Social Security / DHHS

3. What do I need to do to qualify for General Assistance?

Each applicant is responsible for providing the General Assistance Administrator all information necessary to determine eligibility. This includes information verifying members of the household, documentation of all sources of income received in the household (salary, child support, workers compensation benefits, unemployment, SSI, SSDI, social security, TANF, tax returns, money received from family members, etc.). Additionally, applicants must provide documentation of their expenses for basic necessities (housing, heat, electricity, food, non-food, prescriptions, etc.) and work related expenses (childcare and transportation to work). The administrator will make a determination of eligibility based on the overall maximums allowed by the State and municipality. Clients will receive a decision sheet indicating eligibility or ineligibility. If a household member is available to work, a job search log will be provided and consideration for Workfare.

4. What can General Assistance assist with?

The City will grant assistance to eligible applicants for basic necessities according to the maximum levels for specific types of assistance. Basic necessities include shelter, rent, utilities (electricity, heat), food, personal care and household supplies and prescription medication.

5. Can the City help me to secure housing?

If interested in subsidized affordable housing, please contact Westbrook Housing at 207-854-9779. You may need to place your name on their list and also for Section 8 housing. We have a list of landlords in the waiting area of the Community Center office that work with the General Assistance program in the City of Westbrook. The list is not all inclusive and you may want to check with additional landlords, Craigslist and Maine Housing Search.

6. What is Workfare?

Each applicant and any member of the household who is capable of working may be required to perform work for the municipality as a condition of receiving assistance. As part of the municipal work program, the municipality can require recipients to participate in training, education or rehabilitative programs that will assist recipients in securing employment.

7. What do I need to do to be eligible for future assistance?

At the time an applicant receives a decision on their application, the administrator will inform the applicant of future responsibilities for consideration of future eligibility. Once applying for General Assistance, all clients regardless of whether or not they received any benefits are responsible for showing that they have done all they can to prevent needing general assistance again. This includes providing documentation (receipts) of all their spending over the past thirty days, all income received in past thirty days, and have utilized all potential resources the manager referred them to.

8. What would cause me to be ineligible or disqualified from the program?

General Assistance is a program that encourages clients to do all they can to self-sustain and prevent needing future assistance. An applicant may be found ineligible to receive general assistance if they: misspend their income on items that are not considered basic necessities (this will count as money that is still available to the household and will affect the amount of eligibility); if a client forfeits a benefit, this benefit will not be replaced; if a client quits a job without cause or is fired from a job, they are disqualified from receiving assistance for a 120 day period; for failing to perform or complete a workfare assignment; for willfully making a false representational about their eligibility; for not providing or permitting the administrator to gather the necessary verification and documentation as required; as well as others.

9. How often may I apply for General Assistance?

Generally, General Assistance is determined for a temporary period only. If an applicant needs to apply for General Assistance again, responsibility falls on the client to make sure requirements are met. An applicant may apply once every thirty days, unless deemed ineligible.

10. What if I disagree with the General Assistance decision?

If you disagree with the decision, applicants should discuss the matter with the Administrator. All applicants have the right to request a Fair Hearing which would provide the applicant with a Board not involved in the decision to decide whether you are eligible for assistance. If you would like to request a Fair Hearing, you must make the request in writing within five working days of the decision.

This program is administered in accordance with the standard of eligibility as provided in 22 M.R.SA., Chapter 1161.

11. What are basic needs versus not basic needs (not all inclusive)?

Basic Needs

• Food
• Medical Care
• Non-food
• Shelter/rent
• Utilities

Not Basic Needs (Not All Inclusive)

• Cable Television, Internet, Phone
• Car Payments, Loan Payments, Credit Card Debt
• Cigarettes, Tobacco, Alcohol
  
• Court Restitution and Late Fees
• Key Deposits, Furniture Storage
• Legal Fees
• Pet Care Costs
  
• Phone Bill/Cell Bill
• Trips, Vacation, Travel Expenses

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Library

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1. When is the library open?

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Curbside service is available Monday through Saturday, weather permitting. Please pick up your items no later than 15 minutes prior to closing.

2. How can I renew my items?

You can renew your item online by logging into your library account. You can also call us at 207-854-0630. Please have your library card number ready.

3. Can I request books from other libraries?

If we don’t have the item you are looking for, you can go to https://minerva.maine.edu/ to request it from another library.

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Police Department

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1. How do I get copies of a Police or Accident Report?

To get copies of an accident report, please visit www.crashdocs.org or the Maine Crash Reporting website to obtain a copy of a report.  You will need your last name, report number, and the date of the accident to access your report.  It does take a couple of days for reports to get uploaded to the sites.  Please do not contact us for a report unless it has been over a week since your accident and the report has not been uploaded yet.  

To get copies of a Police report, please fill out the WPD Records Request Form.  The form is also available in the lobby of the Public Safety Building.  The request forms can be dropped off at the Public Safety Building or mailed to the Westbrook Police Department, addressed to the Records Administrator. There are fees associated with purchasing a report - please see the request form for the amount. Payment is due before any reports can be released, and checks should be made out to the City of Westbrook. If you are requesting a copy of report that is in the court system, we cannot provide that to you. You will need to go through the discovery process with the District Attorney’s Office.

2. How do I request the return of property?

To request the return of property that was seized by a police officer, you need to fill out a Property Request Form - this form is also available in the lobby of the Public Safety Building. The completed forms can be dropped off at the Public Safety Building or mailed to the Westbrook Police Department, addressed to the Evidence Technician. Please make sure that your contact information is filled out completely so we can contact you if we have any questions. You should be aware that if your property is part of a criminal case we may not be able to release it without approval from the District Attorney or until the court process has ended.

3. How do I apply for a Concealed Weapon Permit?

To apply for a Concealed Firearms permit, you need to turn in a completed application to the Westbrook Police Department. The application is available in the lobby of the Public Safety Building or you can download the document online, Concealed Firearms Permit Application . Completed applications should be dropped off at the Public Safety Building or mailed to the Westbrook Police Department, addressed to the Records Administrator. Along with the applications, you must include the appropriate fee ($35 for new applicants, $20 for renewals and $2 for change of address). Checks should be made out to the City of Westbrook.

4. How do I leave an anonymous tip or information?

You can leave an anonymous tip by calling 207-591-8117. This number is not for reporting emergencies or other incidents requiring a timely police response. For emergencies please dial 911, and for non-emergencies please dial 207-854-0644, ext. 0.

5. How do I make a complaint against a Westbrook Police employee?

To make a complaint against any employee of the Westbrook Police Department, or any aspect of police operations, you can fill out the Citizen Complaint Form (DOC). This form is available in the lobby of the Public Safety Building. You may mail your complaint to the Chief of Police:

570 Main Street
Westbrook, ME 04092

You can also bring the form to the Public Safety Building. You are also welcome to speak with a Police Supervisor, either at the Public Safety Building or by phone. If you have any questions about filling out the complaint forms any Police Supervisor or Administrator will be able to assist you.

6. How do I apply to be a Westbrook Police Officer?

Please visit the Becoming a Westbrook Police Officer page to learn more about our application process.

7. What is the City's Winter Parking Ordinance?

Between November 15 and April 15, no  parking is allowed on any street in Westbrook between Midnight and 6 a.m.  Vehicles parked on any street during this  time may be ticketed, and during any snow event that Public Services is plowing they may be towed.  Parking is available at the following locations:

• Ash Street municipal parking lot
• Bicentennial Park/Skate Park parking lot on William Clarke Drive (next to Hannaford)
• Church Street municipal parking lot (Warren Congregational Church)
• Saccarappa Park parking lot (this is the temporary parking lot in the downtown, next to 901 Main Street)
• Skating Rink parking lot on Lincoln Street
• Warren Ball Field parking lot on Stevens Avenue
• Warren Pool parking lot on Main Street

When parking overnight in a city-owned downtown lot during a Snow Emergency (which is any plowable snow event), vehicles need to be parked in the Green Zones between the hours of 12 AM and 7 AM.  Green Zones are designated by Green Zone signs.  Any vehicle not parked in the designated Green Zones during a Snow Emergency will be ticketed and towed.  Vehicles must be moved out of the Green Zones by 7 AM to allow for snow removal.  Any vehicles parked in Green Zones between 7 AM and 8 AM during a Snow Emergency will be ticketed and towed.

For further information please visit the winter parking page on the City’s website at https://www.westbrookmaine.com/564/Winter-Parking.

8. Can I get fingerprinted?

Yes. Fingerprinting is available on Mondays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. No appointment is necessary. If you are a Westbrook resident or the company needing fingerprints is from Westbrook, we will fingerprint you for no cost. For non-Westbrook residents and companies the cost is $10. You must provide the fingerprint card. Please be aware that due to priority calls you may have to wait a while to get fingerprinted, or you may be asked to come back the next week if officers are going to be unavailable.

9. What is the City's Fireworks Ordinance?

Fireworks are prohibited in the City of Westbrook, except for on December 31, July 4 and July 5. Fireworks are allowed on December 31 and July 4 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. the following day (January 1 and July 5). Fireworks are allowed on July 5 from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. (If July 5 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the end time is 12:30 a.m. on July 6). To use fireworks on those three days, you must obtain a fireworks permit from the City. You can obtain these at the Public Safety Building for $10.

10. How do I report a Civil Rights violation?

If you feel that your civil rights have been violated, you may contact the police department at anytime to make a report.  We have several officers that are specially trained to investigate civil rights violations.  They are: Detective Sergeant Timothy Gardner, Detective Jeffrey Stackpole, Detective Brady Coulombe, Investigator Douglas Maher, and Officer Kerry Wolongevicz.