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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Auburn
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.
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
- Exempt Purely cosmetic renovations: painting, flooring, paneling, trim work
- Exempt Repairs such as re-roofing, replacing loose siding, guardrails, balusters
- Exempt Prefabricated pools less than 36 inches in depth
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to 1- and 2-family dwellings
- Exempt Direct replacement (in-kind) of existing electrical devices: switches, receptacles, luminaries
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan (as applicable)
- Construction plans or drawings
- Estimated project value or square footage
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly specified; contact department.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly specified; contact department for estimate.
- 01 Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the FAQ or contacting the department at (207) 333-6601.
- 02 Create an account on the SmartGov portal or obtain paper applications at Auburn Hall.
- 03 Complete the permit application with all required project information including scope of work, estimated value or square footage, and site plan as applicable.
- 04 Submit application and supporting documents via SmartGov or in person.
- 05 Staff review application for completeness; fee is calculated based on project type.
- 06 Pay permit fee in person or as directed by portal.
- 07 Receive permit; begin work.
- 08 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective September 2, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee per ordinance
02
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective September 2, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (207) 333-6601 (phone)
- Auburn Hall, 60 Court Street (in-person)
- Inspection hours
- Not published; contact department.
Typical sequence: Inspections are required during construction and upon completion. Final inspection required; Certificate of Occupancy issued for new buildings and additions.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Auburn permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Auburn, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Auburn, ME, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in Auburn, ME typically run Not publicly specified; contact department for estimate.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Auburn, ME via: (207) 333-6601, Auburn Hall, 60 Court Street.
last verified April 2026
source City of Auburn -- Planning, Permitting and Code Department ↗
entry id permits/maine/androscoggin/auburn
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Auburn -- Planning, Permitting and Code Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.