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Building Permit Requirements
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Maine building permits

In Maine, building permits are issued by cities, towns and other local governments1, not by one state office. State permits: land Use Planning Commission permit in commission jurisdiction2.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Where to get a building permit in Maine
  2. Maine state agencies
  3. Building code in Maine
  4. State rules on which work needs a permit
  5. Homeowners doing their own work
  6. Contractor licensing
  7. Handyman limits
  8. Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections
  9. Private plan review and inspections
  10. Limits on permit fees
  11. Selling a home with unpermitted work
  12. What local governments may change
  13. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
  14. Sources

Where to get a building permit in Maine

Apply to the building department of the city, town or county where the property is (the steps).

Maine state agencies

These offices set statewide codes or license the trades. They do not issue permits for most home projects.

Maine Office of Community Affairs, Division of Building Codes and Standards4

State building code agency

Website
maine.gov3
Address
32 Blossom Ln, 3rd Floor South, Augusta, ME 04330
4
Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm4

Electricians' Examining Board5

Contractor licensing

Website
maine.gov5

Plumbers' Examining Board6

Contractor licensing

Website
maine.gov6

Building code in Maine

For homes, the residential code is the MAINE UNIFORM BUILDING AND ENERGY CODE - RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE FOR ONE AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS IN MAINE7 (statewide; applies everywhere8).

Every code family, edition and effective date is on Maine building codes.

State rules on which work needs a permit

10 M.R.S. §§9722(6)(B-1), 9724(5); 08-003 C.M.R. Ch. 6 §5(11)-(12); 30-A M.R.S. §§4201(3), 4215, 4221(4)

  • IRC permit requirement applies only where a municipal ordinance requires a permit. Insert “where required by municipal ordinance.” at the end of the paragraph.7
  • Municipal ordinance may add exemptions to R105.2. Insert “or as further exempted by municipal ordinance.” at the end of the paragraph.7
  • 4 feet. Insert “Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from finish grade to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.” in its place.7
  • R105.2 trade exemptions removed. Delete categories and associated subcategories “Electrical”, “Gas”, “Mechanical”, and “Plumbing” in their entirety.7
  • Commercial code: same municipal-ordinance limit. Insert (at the end of the last sentence in the paragraph) “where required by municipal ordinance”…9
  • Livestock and crop buildings outside MUBEC. That buildings used to house livestock, store harvested crops or cultivate crops are not subject to the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.15
  • Maple buildings outside MUBEC. That buildings used primarily to process or store maple sap or syrup are not subject to the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code…15
  • Exception list lead-in for the three items below. The requirements of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code do not apply to…16
  • Log homes and manufactured housing. Log homes or manufactured housing as defined in chapter 951…16
  • Post and beam or timber frame. Post and beam or timber frame construction…16
  • Crop storage warehouses and silos. Warehouses or silos used to store harvested crops.16
  • Plumbing permit required for installing plumbing into a building. The installation of plumbing into a building…17
  • 24 months. A permit is required for the following activities and is valid for work commenced within 24 months after the permit is issued…17
  • Owner minor plumbing inside own residence. Minor plumbing work or minor installations that are performed in compliance with state laws and rules if that plumbing work or those installations are done inside the structure of a private residence by the owner of that residence…18
  • Like-for-like fixture swap is not plumbing. The replacement of fixtures with similar fixtures at the same location without any alteration of pipes…19
Applies to
Permits apply where required by municipal ordinance7
Can local rules be stricter?
Local ordinances may include permits and fees8

Homeowners doing their own work

32 M.R.S. §§1102-D, 1201-A(13), 3302(1)(C); 30-A M.R.S. §4221(4)(A)

  • Yes, existing single-family dwelling occupied and owned by that person. …a person making electrical installations in an existing single-family dwelling occupied and owned by that person, as long as the installation conforms with the standards of the National Electrical Code or other standards approved by the board.20
  • Yes, in a single-family residence occupied or to be occupied by that person. Plumbing by a person in a single-family residence occupied or to be occupied by that person as that person's bona fide personal abode as long as the installation conforms with board laws and rules…21
  • Single-family dwelling certificate for new-home electrical. An electrical installation made pursuant to this section in a newly constructed single-family dwelling requires certification by a state electrical inspector or a local inspector, or a licensed master electrician or a licensed limited electrician in house wiring, prior to the activation of electricity by the utility company.22
  • Must occupy, or will occupy, as personal residence. An application for a single-family dwelling certificate must be made by the person that is using and occupying, or will use and occupy, the single-family dwelling solely as that person's bona fide personal abode and residence.22
  • New-home electrical exception. An inspection is required before the electrical wiring is enclosed by the construction process.22
  • Owner minor plumbing needs no permit. Minor plumbing work or minor installations that are performed in compliance with state laws and rules if that plumbing work or those installations are done inside the structure of a private residence by the owner of that residence…18

Contractor licensing

32 M.R.S. §§1201, 3302(1); 10 M.R.S. §1487

  • In Maine, general contractors - and trades such as roofing and framing - are not licensed or regulated.23
  • The State of Maine licenses plumbers and electricians, who are subject to disciplinary action by their licensing board if they violate Maine law or the board’s rules.23
  • Electrician license required. An electrical installation may not be made unless by an electrician licensed by the board except as provided in this chapter.24
  • Plumber license required. A license is required for any individual who is engaged in plumbing or performing plumbing installations.21
  • $3,000. Any home construction contract for more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be in writing and must be signed by both the home construction contractor and the homeowner or lessee.25
  • Down payment limited to one-third. The method of payment, with the initial down payment being limited to no more than 1/3 of the total contract price…25

Handyman limits

see 32 M.R.S. §1201-A(12)

  • Incidental electrical work limited to light fixtures and switches. "incidental electrical work'' means minor electrical work, limited to light fixtures and switches, that occurs by chance and that does not require electrical installation calculations…20
  • $3,000. Any home construction contract for more than $3,000 in materials or labor must be in writing and must be signed by both the home construction contractor and the homeowner or lessee.25

Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections

30-A M.R.S. §4103(3); 08-003 C.M.R. Ch. 6 §5(14)

  • 30 days. The failure of the licensing authority to issue a written notice of its decision, directed to the applicant, within 30 days from the date when the application is filed, constitutes a refusal of the permit.1
  • Residential code ties review time to §4103. Insert “in accordance with Title 30A M.R.S. §4103” in its place.7
  • Refusal can be appealed. An appeal may be taken from any order issued by the building official, or from the licensing authority's refusal to grant a permit, to the municipal officers or to a board of appeals established under section 2691.1
  • 30 days. The failure of the municipal officers to issue a written notice of their decision, directed to the appellant, within 30 days after the appeal is filed, constitutes a denial of the appeal.1
Applies to
Municipal building permit ordinances26

Private plan review and inspections

25 M.R.S. §§2371(6), 2373(4), 2357-A; 08-003 C.M.R. Ch. 2 §5, Ch. 3

  • Third-party inspector reports are an enforcement option. Reports from 3rd-party inspectors certified pursuant to Title 10, section 9723 submitted to the building official prior to obtaining a certificate of occupancy…27
  • Owner or municipality may contract. …that are obtained pursuant to independent contractual arrangements between the building owner and 3rd-party inspector or the municipality and 3rd-party inspector.27
  • Applicant fallback. If the municipality does not elect one or more of the four-options listed above, then the applicant shall elect to have an inspection performed by a TPI at their own cost.8
  • Applicant may hire TPI. A municipality or Applicant may choose to engage a Third-Party Inspector (TPI) to review Construction Documents and inspect construction to ensure compliance with certain components of the MUBEC.28
  • Limits on TPI authority. TPI authority is limited to the MUBEC certifications only and does not include the authorities of Court Rule 80K, Shoreland Zoning, Land Use, or Local Plumbing Inspector without appointment by a municipality and certification as stated in Title 30-A §4451.28
  • No financial interest. A 3rd-party inspector may not hold a pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any building for which the 3rd-party inspector issues an inspection report pursuant to section 2373…29
  • Certificate of occupancy may rest on TPI report. The building official may issue the certificate of occupancy upon receipt of an inspection report by a certified 3rd-party inspector pursuant to section 2373, subsection 4.30

Limits on permit fees

32 M.R.S. §1102-D(5); 08-003 C.M.R. Ch. 6 §5(15)

  • IRC fee section deleted. Delete Section R108 “Fees” in its entirety, without substitution.7
  • Fees may be set by local ordinance. Such ordinances may include items such as, permits, fees, boards of appeals and violations.8
  • Plumbing permit fee is set by the municipality. The plumbing inspector shall issue any permit under this section upon receipt and approval of a completed application form as prescribed by the commissioner and payment by the applicant of the fee established by the municipality.17
  • $100. …but in no event may any scheduled service fee exceed $100.22

Selling a home with unpermitted work

33 M.R.S. §173

  • Seller must give a property disclosure statement. Unless the transaction is exempt under section 172, the seller of residential real property shall provide to the purchaser a property disclosure statement containing the following information…31
  • Known defects. Any known defects…31
  • Shoreland zoning violations. A notice of violation issued by a municipal official or state agency…31

What local governments may change

10 M.R.S. §9724; 08-003 C.M.R. Ch. 2 §4

  • Express limit on home rule. This chapter provides express limitations on municipal home rule authority.16
  • Small towns cannot use another code. A municipality of up to 4,000 residents is not required to enforce, but may not adopt or enforce a building code other than the Maine Uniform Building Code, the Maine Uniform Energy Code or the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.16
  • Inconsistent building code ordinances are void. …any ordinance regarding a building code of any political subdivision of the State that is inconsistent with the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code is void.16
  • Local enforcement ordinances allowed. …this section does not prohibit the adoption or enforcement of an ordinance of any political subdivision that sets forth provisions for local enforcement of building codes.16
  • Pool fencing ordinance allowed. This section does not prohibit the adoption or enforcement of an ordinance of any political subdivision that sets forth the swimming pool fencing standards, without amendment, contained in Appendix G of the 2nd edition of the 2009 International Residential Code.16
  • Land use and fire ordinances not voided. …this provision does not apply to any adopted fire & life safety code, fire safety ordinance or any land use ordinance, including Land Use Planning Commission rules.8
  • Optional stretch code. A municipality may choose to adopt the MUBEC Stretch Code, Energy Code Appendix NA, and if so, it shall be enforced in addition to the base energy code (Chapter 7 of these rules) in its entirety as the minimum energy code for that municipality.8
  • Plumbing ordinances may be stricter. Municipalities may enact ordinances under their home rule authority that are more restrictive than rules governing plumbing or subsurface wastewater disposal systems adopted by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation and the Department of Health and Human Services, respectively.32

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

30-A M.R.S. §4364-B; 25 M.R.S. §2463-B

  • ADU must be allowed where residential uses are permitted. Except as provided in Title 12, chapter 423‑A, a municipality shall allow an accessory dwelling unit to be located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling unit or 2-unit or 3-unit residential structure in any area in which residential uses are permitted, including as a conditional use, in accordance with this section.33
  • Interior, attached or new structure. As a new structure on the lot for the primary purpose of creating an accessory dwelling unit.33
  • At least one per qualifying lot. At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on any lot where the principal structure is a single-family dwelling unit or 2-unit or 3-unit residential structure…33
  • Density exemption. A municipality shall exempt one accessory dwelling unit on a lot from any density requirements or calculations related to the area in which the accessory dwelling unit is constructed.33
  • No added parking. An accessory dwelling unit may not be subject to any additional parking requirements beyond the parking requirements of the single-family dwelling unit on the lot where the accessory dwelling unit is located.33
  • Unapproved ADUs. An accessory dwelling unit that was not built with municipal approval must be allowed if the accessory dwelling unit otherwise meets the requirements for accessory dwelling units of the municipality and under this section.33
  • No owner-occupancy requirement. A municipality shall allow the construction or occupancy of an accessory dwelling unit on a lot even if the owner of the lot where the accessory dwelling unit is located does not reside in a dwelling unit on that lot.33
  • 190 square feet. An accessory dwelling unit must meet a minimum size of 190 square feet.33
  • Municipal maximum size allowed. A municipality may impose a maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit.33
  • Water and wastewater proof. The owner of an accessory dwelling unit must provide written verification to the municipality that the accessory dwelling unit is connected to adequate water and wastewater services before the municipality may certify the accessory dwelling unit for occupancy.33
  • Shoreland. An accessory dwelling unit must comply with shoreland zoning requirements established by the Department of Environmental Protection under Title 38, chapter 3 and municipal shoreland zoning ordinances…33
  • Private covenants still apply. This section may not be construed to interfere with, abrogate or annul the validity or enforceability of any valid or enforceable easement, covenant, deed restriction or other agreement or instrument between private parties that imposes greater restrictions than those provided in this section…33
  • Sprinklers. Fire suppression sprinklers are not required for an accessory dwelling unit unless the accessory dwelling unit is within or attached to a structure that contains, or will contain upon completion of construction, more than 2 dwelling units, including accessory dwelling units.34
  • C. 385 application dates. …this Act applies to municipalities for which ordinances may be enacted by the municipal officers without further action or approval by the voters of the municipality beginning July 1, 2026 and applies to all other municipalities beginning July 1, 2027.35
  • C. 733 application date. …this Act applies to municipalities beginning July 1, 2027.35
  • Original implementation dates. January 1, 2024 for municipalities for which ordinances may be enacted by the municipal officers without further action or approval by the voters of the municipality…36
  • MOCA guidance on town-meeting split. July 1, 2026 for city/town council municipalities July 1, 2027 for town meeting municipalities…37
Applies to
Municipalities, except as provided in Title 12, chapter 423-A33
Can local rules be stricter?
Municipality may set a maximum size and more permissive dimensions33

Sources

  1. Title 30-A, §4103: PermitsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Title 12, §685-B: Development review and approvalMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  3. Code Enforcement | Maine Office of Community AffairsMaine Office of Community AffairsChecked November 5, 2026
  4. Contact | Code Enforcement, Maine Office of Community AffairsMaine Office of Community AffairsChecked November 5, 2026
  5. Electricians' Examining BoardMaine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Electricians’ Examining BoardChecked November 5, 2026
  6. Plumbers' Examining BoardMaine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Plumbers’ Examining BoardChecked November 5, 2026
  7. Ch. 6 MUBEC - Residential Building Code for One and Two-Family Dwellings in MaineMaine Secretary of State, Agency Rules (08-003 C.M.R., Maine Office of Community Affairs, Building Codes and Standards)Revised March 4, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Ch. 2 MUBEC - Administrative ProceduresMaine Secretary of State, Agency Rules (08-003 C.M.R., Maine Office of Community Affairs, Building Codes and Standards)Revised July 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  9. Ch. 4 MUBEC - Commercial Building Code of MaineMaine Secretary of State, Agency Rules (08-003 C.M.R., Maine Office of Community Affairs, Building Codes and Standards)Revised March 4, 2025Checked November 5, 2026
  10. Ch. 5 MUBEC - Existing Building CodeMaine Secretary of State, Agency Rules (08-003 C.M.R., Maine Office of Community Affairs, Building Codes and Standards)Revised March 4, 2025Checked November 5, 2026
  11. Ch. 7 MUBEC - Energy CodeMaine Secretary of State, Agency Rules (08-003 C.M.R., Maine Office of Community Affairs, Building Codes and Standards)Revised March 4, 2025Checked November 5, 2026
  12. Ch. 8 MUBEC - Mechanical CodeMaine Secretary of State, Agency Rules (08-003 C.M.R., Maine Office of Community Affairs, Building Codes and Standards)Revised March 4, 2025Checked November 5, 2026
  13. 02-318 C.M.R. Ch. 120: Electrical Installation StandardsMaine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Electricians’ Examining BoardEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  14. State Adopted NFPA StandardsMaine Department of Public Safety, Office of the State Fire MarshalChecked November 5, 2026
  15. Title 10, §9722: Technical Building Codes and Standards BoardMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  16. Title 10, §9724: ApplicationMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  17. Title 30-A, §4215: PermitsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Title 30-A, §4221: Plumbing inspectorsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  19. Title 30-A, §4201: DefinitionsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  20. Title 32, §1201-A: Exceptions to licensing requirementsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  21. Title 32, §3302: ApplicabilityMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  22. Title 32, §1102-D: Single-family dwelling exception; certificate requiredMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Home Construction and RepairMaine Office of the Attorney GeneralChecked November 5, 2026
  24. Title 32, §1201: License requiredMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  25. Title 10, §1487: Home construction contractsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  26. Title 30-A, §4101: Permits for buildingsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  27. Title 25, §2373: Municipal inspection optionsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  28. Ch. 3 MUBEC - Third Party InspectorsMaine Secretary of State, Agency Rules (08-003 C.M.R., Maine Office of Community Affairs, Building Codes and Standards)Revised March 4, 2025Checked November 5, 2026
  29. Title 25, §2371: DefinitionsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  30. Title 25, §2357-A: No occupancy without certificate; appealMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  31. Title 33, §173: Required disclosuresMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. Title 30-A, §4211: Plumbing regulationsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  33. Title 30-A, §4364-B: Accessory dwelling unitsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  34. Title 25, §2463-B: Fire protection in accessory dwelling unitsMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  35. P.L. 2025, c. 733 (H.P. 1461, L.D. 2173), An Act to Update the Laws Regarding Housing Developments and Accessory…Maine LegislatureAdopted April 16, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  36. Title 30-A, §4364: Affordable housing densityMaine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of StatutesLast updated October 5, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  37. Housing Legislation Guidance, March 2026Maine Office of Community AffairsPublished March 2026Checked November 5, 2026