City Building Permits

Town of Durham, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Androscoggin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Code Enforcement Officer also serves as Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Electrical Inspector, and Administrative Assistant to the Zoning Board of Appeals. CEO is available by appointment.

Department
Town of Durham -- Code Enforcement Office
Address
630 Hallowell Road, Durham, ME 04222
Phone
(207) 407-3500
Website
https://durhammaine.gov/pages/code-enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open AndroGov

Platform: AndroGov • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Call ahead at (207) 407-3500 or email before starting any building, structural repair, plumbing, or electrical work.
  2. Download and complete the building permit application or obtain from Town Office.
  3. Submit completed application with supporting materials in person, by mail, or via AndroGov portal.
  4. CEO reviews application; may schedule a site visit or meeting.
  5. Pay applicable permit fee.
  6. Permit issued; begin work.
  7. Schedule required inspections with CEO during and at completion of work.

Typical processing time: Not published; contact CEO for estimate.

Source: Town of Durham -- Code Enforcement Office

General Requirements

Building or placing any new structure over 200 square feet; demolition of any building or part thereof; new plumbing work; all electrical work; all work related to septic systems (other than pumping or filter cleaning); driveways within road right-of-way.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan
  • Construction plans as applicable to project scope
Permit validity
Not publicly stated; contact CEO.
Building code
IRC 2015 for residential; IBC 2015 for commercial. (Note: state MUBEC moved to 2021 I-codes in April 2025; confirm current local adoption with CEO.)
Owner-builder
Not separately published; contact CEO.
Contractor requirements
Maine state licenses required for electricians and plumbers. No general contractor state license required.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Not published; contact CEO.
Payment note
Pay at Town Office, 630 Hallowell Road.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
  • Structures 200 square feet or less (verify current threshold with CEO)
  • Periodic pumping or cleaning of septic tank filters

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (207) 407-3500 (phone)
  • ceo@durhammaine.gov (email)
Scheduling deadline
Appointments required.
Inspection hours
Town Office hours: Monday-Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections during construction and final inspection upon completion. Certificate of Occupancy required for new buildings.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Durham -- Code Enforcement Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Durham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Durham, ME?
Building or placing any new structure over 200 square feet; demolition of any building or part thereof; new plumbing work; all electrical work; all work related to septic systems (other than pumping or filter cleaning); driveways within road right-of-way.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Durham, ME?
Fees are calculated as: Not published; contact CEO..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Durham, ME?
1. Call ahead at (207) 407-3500 or email before starting any building, structural repair, plumbing, or electrical work. 2. Download and complete the building permit application or obtain from Town Office. 3. Submit completed application with supporting materials in person, by mail, or via AndroGov portal. 4. CEO reviews application; may schedule a site visit or meeting. 5. Pay applicable permit fee. 6. Permit issued; begin work. 7. Schedule required inspections with CEO during and at completion of work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Durham, ME?
Typical processing time is Not published; contact CEO for estimate..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Durham, ME?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Structures 200 square feet or less (verify current threshold with CEO); Periodic pumping or cleaning of septic tank filters.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Durham, ME?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 407-3500, ceo@durhammaine.gov. Appointments required..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Durham 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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