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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Durham
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.
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
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Structures 200 square feet or less (verify current threshold with CEO)
- Exempt Periodic pumping or cleaning of septic tank filters
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans as applicable to project scope
- 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.)
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated; contact CEO.
- Owner-builder
- Not separately published; contact CEO.
- Contractor requirements
- Maine state licenses required for electricians and plumbers. No general contractor state license required.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published; contact CEO for estimate.
- 01 Call ahead at (207) 407-3500 or email before starting any building, structural repair, plumbing, or electrical work.
- 02 Download and complete the building permit application or obtain from Town Office.
- 03 Submit completed application with supporting materials in person, by mail, or via AndroGov portal.
- 04 CEO reviews application; may schedule a site visit or meeting.
- 05 Pay applicable permit fee.
- 06 Permit issued; begin work.
- 07 Schedule required inspections with CEO during and at completion of work.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact CEO for estimate.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Durham building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Not published; contact CEO.
Pay at Town Office, 630 Hallowell Road.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Inspections during construction and final inspection upon completion. Certificate of Occupancy required for new buildings.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Durham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Durham, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Durham, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Not published; contact CEO..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Durham, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Durham, ME, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Durham, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in Durham, ME typically run Not published; contact CEO for estimate.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Durham, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Durham, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Durham, ME via: (207) 407-3500, ceo@durhammaine.gov. Appointments required..
last verified April 2026
source Town of Durham -- Code Enforcement Office ↗
entry id permits/maine/androscoggin/durham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Durham -- Code Enforcement Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.