How much does a building permit cost in Town of Houlton, ME?

The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: Projects $0 - $7,000: $30 minimum. Projects over $7,000: Residential $4.00 per $1,000 of project value; Commercial $5.00 per $1,000 of project value.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Houlton, ME?

1. Contact Code Enforcement at (207) 532-7111 or code.enforcement@houlton-maine.com with project details. 2. Download the Building Permit application from the town website. 3. Complete the application with ownership information, contractor information, and project description. 4. Prepare a site plan showing: lot shape, lot dimensions, lot location, buildings to be erected or altered, existing buildings on the lot, adjacent front-yard depths, and any other information required by the Building Inspector or Board of Appeals. 5. Submit the application and site plan to Code Enforcement at 21 Water Street. Fees must be paid at submission; starting construction before applying results in double fees. 6. Permit is issued upon approval. Post permit on job site. 7. If no substantial progress is made within 6 months, the permit becomes invalid unless renewed. 8. Schedule required inspections with Code Enforcement. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure; a CO is also required before changing a building's use.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Houlton, ME?

Typical processing time is Not formally published; contact office for current turnaround..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Houlton, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural integrity or life safety. Note: Contact Code Enforcement at (207) 532-7111 to confirm exemption for specific project types; IBC Section 105.2 and IRC Section R105.2 exemptions apply.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Houlton, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 532-7111, code.enforcement@houlton-maine.com.

City Building Permits

Town of Houlton, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Aroostook County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Houlton (shire town of Aroostook County). MUBEC enforcement mandatory. Handles building permits, sign permits, shoreland zoning permits, zoning ordinance administration, and complaint investigations. All complaints investigated within 7 days.

Department: Code Enforcement Department
Address: 21 Water Street, Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: (207) 532-7111
Email: code.enforcement@houlton-maine.com
Website: https://www.houlton-maine.com/departments/code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact Code Enforcement at (207) 532-7111 or code.enforcement@houlton-maine.com with project details.
Download the Building Permit application from the town website.
Complete the application with ownership information, contractor information, and project description.
Prepare a site plan showing: lot shape, lot dimensions, lot location, buildings to be erected or altered, existing buildings on the lot, adjacent front-yard depths, and any other information required by the Building Inspector or Board of Appeals.
Submit the application and site plan to Code Enforcement at 21 Water Street. Fees must be paid at submission; starting construction before applying results in double fees.
Permit is issued upon approval. Post permit on job site.
If no substantial progress is made within 6 months, the permit becomes invalid unless renewed.
Schedule required inspections with Code Enforcement.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure; a CO is also required before changing a building's use.

Typical processing time: Not formally published; contact office for current turnaround.

Source: Code Enforcement Department

General Requirements

New construction, alterations, additions, demolition, mobile home placement, swimming pools, change of use. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupying any new building or changing building use.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan (showing lot shape, dimensions, location, buildings, setbacks)
Applicable plans for structural work

Permit validity: Permit is invalid if no substantial progress within 6 months; renewal available. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy.
Building code: MUBEC; permits issued on or after April 7, 2025 reviewed under 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2019 ASHRAE 90.1. Prior permits reviewed under 2015 ICC standards.
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may perform work on their own residence; Maine trade licensing rules apply.
Contractor requirements: Maine-licensed electricians and plumbers required. No state GC license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $30
Plan check fee: Included in permit fee
Permit fee formula: Projects $0 - $7,000: $30 minimum. Projects over $7,000: Residential $4.00 per $1,000 of project value; Commercial $5.00 per $1,000 of project value.
Reinspection fee: Work started before applying triggers double the applicable fee
Payment note: Pay at Code Enforcement office at time of application submission.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

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) 532-7111 (phone)
code.enforcement@houlton-maine.com (email)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

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

Additional Resources

Building code: MUBEC; permits issued on or after April 7, 2025 reviewed under 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IMC, 2019 ASHRAE 90.1. Prior permits reviewed under 2015 ICC standards.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Zoning Ordinance
Septic System Permit Search
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

Town of Houlton Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Houlton, ME?: New construction, alterations, additions, demolition, mobile home placement, swimming pools, change of use. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupying any new building or changing building use.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Houlton, ME?: The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: Projects $0 - $7,000: $30 minimum. Projects over $7,000: Residential $4.00 per $1,000 of project value; Commercial $5.00 per $1,000 of project value.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Houlton, ME?: 1. Contact Code Enforcement at (207) 532-7111 or code.enforcement@houlton-maine.com with project details. 2. Download the Building Permit application from the town website. 3. Complete the application with ownership information, contractor information, and project description. 4. Prepare a site plan showing: lot shape, lot dimensions, lot location, buildings to be erected or altered, existing buildings on the lot, adjacent front-yard depths, and any other information required by the Building Inspector or Board of Appeals. 5. Submit the application and site plan to Code Enforcement at 21 Water Street. Fees must be paid at submission; starting construction before applying results in double fees. 6. Permit is issued upon approval. Post permit on job site. 7. If no substantial progress is made within 6 months, the permit becomes invalid unless renewed. 8. Schedule required inspections with Code Enforcement. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure; a CO is also required before changing a building's use.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Houlton, ME?: Typical processing time is Not formally published; contact office for current turnaround..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Houlton, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural integrity or life safety. Note: Contact Code Enforcement at (207) 532-7111 to confirm exemption for specific project types; IBC Section 105.2 and IRC Section R105.2 exemptions apply.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Houlton, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 532-7111, code.enforcement@houlton-maine.com.

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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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