Menu
Log in
Log in

    



 

Maine Alliance for Road Associations

Assessments to members whose construction vehicles have caused wear and tear on the road

  • 16 Jul 2025 8:39 PM
    Message # 13521635

    Our Association successfully collects assessments each year following our annual meeting which assist us in providing maintenance work on the road which has been in historically good shape for the last several years. 

    Recently a member noted that there are three separate construction projects currently on the road where large construction vehicles have been frequently in and out; thus negating some of the work done in the Spring -- and paid for by the current Association members.  The new construction lots do not as yet pay assessments in accordance with our by-laws as they are not as yet "improved," but this one member perhaps correctly pointed out that these folks should contribute to the maintenance of the road as their work has caused some unusual wear and tear on the road.  Does any other Association address this matter specifically?  I would be interested in hearing what you folks might do.

    Thank you.

  • 17 Jul 2025 8:04 PM
    Reply # 13522092 on 13521635
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    I agree that construction vehicles can do a lot of damage to a road.  We have discussed charging a fee when someone does construction, but never have.  However, our association has had a clause in our bylaws as follows:

    Any damage to the road by an owner, his/her guests, or his/her contractors beyond normal wear and tear shall be the responsibility of that owner, and the cost of any repairs necessitated by such damage may be assessed against said owner by the Board of Directors.

    This year we amended it further, adding the following:

    “Normal wear and tear” means minimal damage incurred in the course of use for access to and from a residence by the resident(s) and their guests or invitees, including package deliveries, fuel deliveries, and the like, but does not include visible damage caused by construction vehicles, delivery of construction vehicles or building materials, well drilling equipment, logging equipment or log trucks, any commercial or industrial use of the road, abusive operation of ATV’s or 4wd vehicles at such times or in such a manner as causes significant visible damage, or other such uses. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to determine whether damage is significant so as to require assessing the damage against the land owner.

    We once charged a member whose son did donuts in the road with an ATV, and he did pay for re-grading that section of road.  We have yet to test the additional wording.

                            The Maine Alliance for Road Associations


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software