Lewiston, ME — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Lewiston -- Planning and Code Enforcement Department

Street address

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

Phone

(207) 513-3125

PlanningCode@lewistonmaine.gov

Coverage

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.

Online portal

Building Permits

CivicPlus

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Where Do I Begin ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Lewiston

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Minor repairs

Exempt

Painting

Exempt

Flooring

Exempt

Direct replacement of fixtures

Exempt

Accessory structures below a certain size threshold

Exempt

Exempt Minor repairs
Exempt Painting
Exempt Flooring
Exempt Direct replacement of fixtures
Exempt 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.

Required documents

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

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.
Permit validity: Not publicly stated; contact department.
Owner-builder: Not separately published; contact department.
Contractor requirements: Maine state licenses required for electricians and plumbers. No general contractor state license required.

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

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Review the "Where Do I Begin" guide to identify which permits apply.
02

Download and complete appropriate application forms from the city website.
03

Prepare site plan and construction drawings showing what work is being done, where, and how.
04

Provide an estimated permit value (total value of work including materials and labor).
05

Submit completed application with plans and supporting documents to the Planning and Code Enforcement Department in person or by mail.
06

Staff review for completeness; you will be contacted with the required fee amount.
07

Pay fee in person, by mail, or by phone.
08

Permit issued; begin work.
09

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective October 1, 2025

Fee type

Amount

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.

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

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 1, 2025) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Lewiston permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Lewiston, ME? ▸

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

Building permit fees in Lewiston, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

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

To apply for a building permit in Lewiston, ME, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in Lewiston, ME typically run Approximately 7-10 days for standard permits.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lewiston, ME via: (207) 513-3125, PlanningCode@lewistonmaine.gov.

last verified April 2026 source City of Lewiston -- Planning and Code Enforcement Department ↗ entry id permits/maine/androscoggin/lewiston

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Lewiston -- Planning and Code Enforcement Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Lewiston

Other jurisdictions in Androscoggin County.