On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Caribou
New construction, alterations, additions, demolition, mobile home placement, sign installation, change of use, home occupation permits.
Work exempt from permit per IBC Section 105.2 and IRC Section R105.2
- 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.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Site plan
- Project description
- Contractor information
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Per local land use ordinance: permits expire annually on March 31; may be renewed once. Contact office to confirm current permit term.
- 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.
Source: Code Enforcement Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Minimum 3 business days review time.
- 01 Determine project type and which permits are required. Note that electrical permits are obtained separately from the State of Maine, not the city.
- 02 Download the applicable permit application forms from the city website.
- 03 Complete the application with project details including owner/contractor information, project description, estimated cost, and site plan.
- 04 For plumbing permits, the property owner or master plumber must apply in person with the Local Plumbing Inspector (Brandon Saucier).
- 05 Submit the building permit application in person at the Code Enforcement office, 25 High Street. Allow a minimum of 3 business days for review.
- 06 Fees are assessed and must be paid; permit is issued upon approval.
- 07 Post permit on job site. Contact office to schedule inspections with 2 business days advance notice.
- 08 Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy as applicable.
Typical processing time: Minimum 3 business days review time.
Source: Code Enforcement Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective December 2020
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Plan check fee
Contact office
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
Building permit is doubled ($100) if applied for after construction begins
Payment at Code Enforcement office, 25 High Street.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective December 2020) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough electrical, mechanical, final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.
Source: Code Enforcement Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Caribou permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Caribou, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Caribou, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Caribou, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Caribou, ME, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Caribou, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in Caribou, ME typically run Minimum 3 business days review time.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Caribou, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Caribou, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Caribou, ME via: (207) 493-3324 Option 8. Advance notice of 2 business days required when scheduling inspections.
last verified April 2026
source Code Enforcement Department ↗
entry id permits/maine/aroostook/caribou
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.