How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, ME?

Fees are calculated as: Mixed. New construction fees based on total square footage of newly created area. Renovation fees based on estimated cost of construction where no new area is created.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee per ordinance.

How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, ME?

1. Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the FAQ or contacting the department at (207) 333-6601. 2. Create an account on the SmartGov portal or obtain paper applications at Auburn Hall. 3. Complete the permit application with all required project information including scope of work, estimated value or square footage, and site plan as applicable. 4. Submit application and supporting documents via SmartGov or in person. 5. Staff review application for completeness; fee is calculated based on project type. 6. Pay permit fee in person or as directed by portal. 7. Receive permit; begin work. 8. Schedule required inspections during and upon project completion.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, ME?

Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact department for estimate..

What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Purely cosmetic renovations: painting, flooring, paneling, trim work; Repairs such as re-roofing, replacing loose siding, guardrails, balusters; Prefabricated pools less than 36 inches in depth; Swings and playground equipment accessory to 1- and 2-family dwellings; Direct replacement (in-kind) of existing electrical devices: switches, receptacles, luminaries.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 333-6601, Auburn Hall, 60 Court Street.

City Building Permits

Auburn, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Auburn, Maine. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maine Androscoggin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Full municipal code enforcement authority for the City of Auburn. Covers building, electrical, plumbing, MUBEC energy code, and sign permits.

Department: City of Auburn -- Planning, Permitting and Code Department
Address: Auburn Hall, 60 Court Street, Auburn, ME 04210
Phone: (207) 333-6601
Website: https://www.auburnmaine.gov/pages/government/planning-permitting-and-code

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov Community

Platform: SmartGov Community • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Gallery

Application Process

Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the FAQ or contacting the department at (207) 333-6601.
Create an account on the SmartGov portal or obtain paper applications at Auburn Hall.
Complete the permit application with all required project information including scope of work, estimated value or square footage, and site plan as applicable.
Submit application and supporting documents via SmartGov or in person.
Staff review application for completeness; fee is calculated based on project type.
Pay permit fee in person or as directed by portal.
Receive permit; begin work.
Schedule required inspections during and upon project completion.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact department for estimate.

Source: City of Auburn -- Planning, Permitting and Code Department

General Requirements

Any construction, alteration, enlargement, or demolition of a structure; changes affecting structural features, room layout, occupancy, or regulated building elements. Electrical work beyond direct replacement of existing devices. Plumbing and MUBEC energy code work.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan (as applicable)
Construction plans or drawings
Estimated project value or square footage

Permit validity: Not publicly specified; contact department.
Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) -- 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC effective April 7, 2025. Auburn enforces MUBEC as a city over 4,000 population.
Owner-builder: Not separately published; contact department.
Contractor requirements: Maine does not require a general contractor state license. Trade contractors (electricians, plumbers) must hold applicable Maine state licenses.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in permit fee per ordinance
Permit fee formula: Mixed. New construction fees based on total square footage of newly created area. Renovation fees based on estimated cost of construction where no new area is created.
Payment note: Veterans rehabilitating or building owner-occupied single-family or multifamily (up to 3 units) may have fees waived or reimbursed at time of permit approval.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective September 2, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Purely cosmetic renovations: painting, flooring, paneling, trim work
Repairs such as re-roofing, replacing loose siding, guardrails, balusters
Prefabricated pools less than 36 inches in depth
Swings and playground equipment accessory to 1- and 2-family dwellings
Direct replacement (in-kind) of existing electrical devices: switches, receptacles, luminaries

Inspections

How to Schedule

(207) 333-6601 (phone)
Auburn Hall, 60 Court Street (in-person)

Inspection hours: Not published; contact department.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required during construction and upon completion. Final inspection required; Certificate of Occupancy issued for new buildings and additions.

Additional Resources

Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) -- 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC effective April 7, 2025. Auburn enforces MUBEC as a city over 4,000 population.
Verify contractor license: Maine Professional Licensing
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
FAQ Page
Code of Ordinances
License lookup guide: Maine Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Maine Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Maine hub: Maine Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Auburn -- Planning, Permitting and Code Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Auburn Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Auburn, ME?: Any construction, alteration, enlargement, or demolition of a structure; changes affecting structural features, room layout, occupancy, or regulated building elements. Electrical work beyond direct replacement of existing devices. Plumbing and MUBEC energy code work.
How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, ME?: Fees are calculated as: Mixed. New construction fees based on total square footage of newly created area. Renovation fees based on estimated cost of construction where no new area is created.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee per ordinance.
How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, ME?: 1. Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the FAQ or contacting the department at (207) 333-6601. 2. Create an account on the SmartGov portal or obtain paper applications at Auburn Hall. 3. Complete the permit application with all required project information including scope of work, estimated value or square footage, and site plan as applicable. 4. Submit application and supporting documents via SmartGov or in person. 5. Staff review application for completeness; fee is calculated based on project type. 6. Pay permit fee in person or as directed by portal. 7. Receive permit; begin work. 8. Schedule required inspections during and upon project completion.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, ME?: Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact department for estimate..
What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Purely cosmetic renovations: painting, flooring, paneling, trim work; Repairs such as re-roofing, replacing loose siding, guardrails, balusters; Prefabricated pools less than 36 inches in depth; Swings and playground equipment accessory to 1- and 2-family dwellings; Direct replacement (in-kind) of existing electrical devices: switches, receptacles, luminaries.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 333-6601, Auburn Hall, 60 Court Street.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Auburn can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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