When the selectmen lay out or alter a highway, they shall fix in their order the time within which the owner of the lands taken shall remove his or her buildings, fences, timber, wood, or trees. Without the consent of the owner, the time shall not be less than two months, but if the lands taken have buildings, the time shall not be less than six months, nor, in either case, until compensation for damages is paid, if the sum fixed by the selectmen is accepted or damages are awarded by referees. Notice of the time when the removal shall be made shall be given to the owner and included in the selectmen's order. An appeal of the damages awarded shall not stay the work contemplated. (Added 1985, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)