Lewiston, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Full municipal code enforcement authority for the City of Lewiston. Covers building, electrical, plumbing, sign, and land use permits. Also responsible for sanitation, property maintenance, and floodplain management.

Department

City of Lewiston -- Planning and Code Enforcement Department

Address

27 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, Lewiston, ME 04240

Phone

(207) 513-3125

Email

PlanningCode@lewistonmaine.gov

Website

https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/140/Planning-Code-Enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the "Where Do I Begin" guide to identify which permits apply.
2. Download and complete appropriate application forms from the city website.
3. Prepare site plan and construction drawings showing what work is being done, where, and how.
4. Provide an estimated permit value (total value of work including materials and labor).
5. Submit completed application with plans and supporting documents to the Planning and Code Enforcement Department in person or by mail.
6. Staff review for completeness; you will be contacted with the required fee amount.
7. Pay fee in person, by mail, or by phone.
8. Permit issued; begin work.
9. Schedule required inspections during and at completion of work.

Typical processing time: Approximately 7-10 days for standard permits.

Source: City of Lewiston -- Planning and Code Enforcement Department

General Requirements

Any construction, enlargement, alteration, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building; installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by MUBEC.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans clearly showing what, where, and how
• Estimated project value

Permit validity

Not publicly stated; contact department.

Building code

Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) pursuant to Maine Title 10, Chapter 1103 and Title 25, Chapters 313 and 314. Lewiston enforces MUBEC as a city over 4,000 population.

Owner-builder

Not separately published; contact department.

Contractor requirements

Maine state licenses required for electricians and plumbers. No general contractor state license required.

Fees

Plan check fee

Not separately published; contact department.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based; valuation calculated pursuant to Section 109.3 of the International Building Code. Covers commercial, multi-family, industrial, and alternative energy permits.

Payment note

Fees may be paid in person at 27 Pine Street 3rd Floor, by mail, or by phone.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Lewiston -- Planning and Code Enforcement Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (207) 513-3125 (phone)
• PlanningCode@lewistonmaine.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:45 AM - 5:30 PM; Friday: Closed.

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

Additional Resources

• Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) pursuant to Maine Title 10, Chapter 1103 and Title 25, Chapters 313 and 314. Lewiston 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
• Homeowners Guide to the Building Process
• Code of Ordinances
• License lookup guide: Maine Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maine Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maine hub: Maine Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Lewiston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Lewiston, ME?

Any construction, enlargement, alteration, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building; installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by MUBEC.

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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; valuation calculated pursuant to Section 109.3 of the International Building Code. Covers commercial, multi-family, industrial, and alternative energy permits.. Plan check fee: Not separately published; contact department..

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

1. Review the "Where Do I Begin" guide to identify which permits apply. 2. Download and complete appropriate application forms from the city website. 3. Prepare site plan and construction drawings showing what work is being done, where, and how. 4. Provide an estimated permit value (total value of work including materials and labor). 5. Submit completed application with plans and supporting documents to the Planning and Code Enforcement Department in person or by mail. 6. Staff review for completeness; you will be contacted with the required fee amount. 7. Pay fee in person, by mail, or by phone. 8. Permit issued; begin work. 9. Schedule required inspections during and at completion of work.

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

Typical processing time is Approximately 7-10 days for standard permits..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs; Painting; Flooring; Direct replacement of fixtures; Accessory structures below a certain size threshold. Note: Specific Lewiston exemptions not published in publicly available summaries; refer to Chapter 18 of the Lewiston Code of Ordinances for the full list.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 513-3125, PlanningCode@lewistonmaine.gov.

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