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

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Building permit flat fee: $50. Land use permit fee formula per zoning ordinance: $5 minimum, then $2 per $1,000 for the first $10,000 of estimated improvement cost, then $1 per $1,000 above $10,000.. Plan check fee: Contact office.

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

1. Determine project type and which permits are required. Note that electrical permits are obtained separately from the State of Maine, not the city. 2. Download the applicable permit application forms from the city website. 3. Complete the application with project details including owner/contractor information, project description, estimated cost, and site plan. 4. For plumbing permits, the property owner or master plumber must apply in person with the Local Plumbing Inspector (Brandon Saucier). 5. Submit the building permit application in person at the Code Enforcement office, 25 High Street. Allow a minimum of 3 business days for review. 6. Fees are assessed and must be paid; permit is issued upon approval. 7. Post permit on job site. Contact office to schedule inspections with 2 business days advance notice. 8. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy as applicable.

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

Typical processing time is Minimum 3 business days review time..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Work exempt from permit per IBC Section 105.2 and IRC Section R105.2. Note: Contact Code Enforcement at (207) 493-3324 to confirm exemption status for specific projects.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 493-3324 Option 8. Advance notice of 2 business days required when scheduling inspections.

City Building Permits

Caribou, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Aroostook County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Caribou. Full municipal code enforcement. MUBEC enforcement mandatory (population over 4,000). Electrical permits are issued by the State of Maine only, not by the city. DEP and State Fire Marshal permits required for certain projects.

Department: Code Enforcement Department
Address: Caribou Municipal Building, 25 High Street, Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: (207) 493-3324 Option 8
Email: tmichaud@cariboumaine.org
Website: https://www.cariboumaine.org/departments/code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Open Code Enforcement Page

Platform: PDF Forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine project type and which permits are required. Note that electrical permits are obtained separately from the State of Maine, not the city.
Download the applicable permit application forms from the city website.
Complete the application with project details including owner/contractor information, project description, estimated cost, and site plan.
For plumbing permits, the property owner or master plumber must apply in person with the Local Plumbing Inspector (Brandon Saucier).
Submit the building permit application in person at the Code Enforcement office, 25 High Street. Allow a minimum of 3 business days for review.
Fees are assessed and must be paid; permit is issued upon approval.
Post permit on job site. Contact office to schedule inspections with 2 business days advance notice.
Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy as applicable.

Typical processing time: Minimum 3 business days review time.

Source: Code Enforcement Department

General Requirements

New construction, alterations, additions, demolition, mobile home placement, sign installation, change of use, home occupation permits.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan
Project description
Contractor information

Permit validity: Per local land use ordinance: permits expire annually on March 31; may be renewed once. Contact office to confirm current permit term.
Building code: MUBEC; note that the city's posted permit materials reference 2015 IBC/IRC codes; effective April 7, 2025, MUBEC updated to 2021 IBC/IRC and related 2021 ICC codes. Confirm current code edition being enforced directly with the office at (207) 493-3324. Also: 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may perform work on their own residence; Maine trade licensing rules apply.
Contractor requirements: Maine-licensed electricians required (state permits only, not city); Maine-licensed plumbers required. General contractors do not require a state license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Plan check fee: Contact office
Permit fee formula: Building permit flat fee: $50. Land use permit fee formula per zoning ordinance: $5 minimum, then $2 per $1,000 for the first $10,000 of estimated improvement cost, then $1 per $1,000 above $10,000.
Reinspection fee: Building permit is doubled ($100) if applied for after construction begins
Payment note: Payment at Code Enforcement office, 25 High Street.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective December 2020).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Code Enforcement Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(207) 493-3324 Option 8 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Advance notice of 2 business days required when scheduling inspections
Inspection hours: Standard municipal business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough electrical, mechanical, final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: MUBEC; note that the city's posted permit materials reference 2015 IBC/IRC codes; effective April 7, 2025, MUBEC updated to 2021 IBC/IRC and related 2021 ICC codes. Confirm current code edition being enforced directly with the office at (207) 493-3324. Also: 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Caribou Zoning Ordinance
DEP Shoreland and Environmental Permits
State Fire Marshal
License lookup guide: Maine Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Maine Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Maine hub: Maine Contractor License & Permit Hub

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Caribou Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Caribou, ME?: New construction, alterations, additions, demolition, mobile home placement, sign installation, change of use, home occupation permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Caribou, ME?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Building permit flat fee: $50. Land use permit fee formula per zoning ordinance: $5 minimum, then $2 per $1,000 for the first $10,000 of estimated improvement cost, then $1 per $1,000 above $10,000.. Plan check fee: Contact office.
How do I apply for a building permit in Caribou, ME?: 1. Determine project type and which permits are required. Note that electrical permits are obtained separately from the State of Maine, not the city. 2. Download the applicable permit application forms from the city website. 3. Complete the application with project details including owner/contractor information, project description, estimated cost, and site plan. 4. For plumbing permits, the property owner or master plumber must apply in person with the Local Plumbing Inspector (Brandon Saucier). 5. Submit the building permit application in person at the Code Enforcement office, 25 High Street. Allow a minimum of 3 business days for review. 6. Fees are assessed and must be paid; permit is issued upon approval. 7. Post permit on job site. Contact office to schedule inspections with 2 business days advance notice. 8. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy as applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Caribou, ME?: Typical processing time is Minimum 3 business days review time..
What work is exempt from building permits in Caribou, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Work exempt from permit per IBC Section 105.2 and IRC Section R105.2. Note: Contact Code Enforcement at (207) 493-3324 to confirm exemption status for specific projects.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Caribou, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 493-3324 Option 8. Advance notice of 2 business days required when scheduling inspections.

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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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