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

1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer at (207) 728-3612 or dduperre@madawaska.me before beginning; for plumbing work, contact the Licensed Plumbing Inspector at (207) 200-5491. 2. Download the appropriate permit application from https://townofmadawaska.com/town_departments/permit_application_forms.php. 3. Complete the application with all required information including project description, cost, site plan, and ownership documentation. 4. Ensure Dig Safe (call 811) is completed before any excavation work. 5. Submit the completed application with required documents by email, mail, or in person at 328 St. Thomas Street, Suite 101. Submit at least 3 weeks prior to planned construction start; allow a minimum 2-week review time. 6. CEO must approve or deny the application within 14 working days of receiving a complete submission. 7. Pay applicable fees before permit issuance. 8. Permit expires if work has not started within 1 year. Permits not substantially complete within 2 years lapse unless renewal is requested. 9. Contact CEO to schedule required inspections. 10. A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupying the structure; it is unlawful to use or occupy covered work until the CEO issues the CO.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Work with fair market value of $1,000 or less (confirm current threshold with CEO; ordinance conflict noted); Accessory structures under 500 sq ft, under 21 ft tall, meeting setbacks, not used for habitation; Ordinary maintenance and repair. Note: Contact CEO at (207) 728-3612 to confirm exemption status; there is a conflicting provision in the posted 2021 Land Use Ordinance that references a $15,000 threshold -- confirm before relying on the exemption.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 728-3612, dduperre@madawaska.me.

City Building Permits

Town of Madawaska, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Aroostook County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Madawaska, Aroostook County. Office administers the Land Use and Shoreland Zoning Ordinances and the state's Internal Plumbing and Wastewater Codes. Population is below the 4,000-person MUBEC mandatory threshold; however, the town has voluntarily adopted 2021 IBC/IRC codes effective April 7, 2025.

Department: Office of Code Enforcement (and Planning)
Address: 328 St. Thomas Street, Suite 101, Madawaska, ME 04756
Phone: (207) 728-3612
Email: dduperre@madawaska.me
Website: https://townofmadawaska.com/town_departments/code_enforcement.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Permit Application Forms

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

Additional resources:

Land Use Ordinance

Application Process

Contact the Code Enforcement Officer at (207) 728-3612 or dduperre@madawaska.me before beginning; for plumbing work, contact the Licensed Plumbing Inspector at (207) 200-5491.
Download the appropriate permit application from https://townofmadawaska.com/town_departments/permit_application_forms.php.
Complete the application with all required information including project description, cost, site plan, and ownership documentation.
Ensure Dig Safe (call 811) is completed before any excavation work.
Submit the completed application with required documents by email, mail, or in person at 328 St. Thomas Street, Suite 101. Submit at least 3 weeks prior to planned construction start; allow a minimum 2-week review time.
CEO must approve or deny the application within 14 working days of receiving a complete submission.
Pay applicable fees before permit issuance.
Permit expires if work has not started within 1 year. Permits not substantially complete within 2 years lapse unless renewal is requested.
Contact CEO to schedule required inspections.
A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupying the structure; it is unlawful to use or occupy covered work until the CEO issues the CO.

Typical processing time: CEO must act within 14 working days; plan to submit at least 3 weeks before start date.

Source: Office of Code Enforcement (and Planning)

General Requirements

Erecting, moving, adding to, or externally enlarging any building or structure.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan (showing lot lines, setbacks, driveways, wells, and septic)
Ownership documentation
Project narrative

Permit validity: 1 year to begin work; must be substantially complete within 2 years; 6-month renewal available upon request.
Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IECC, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (voluntarily adopted as of April 7, 2025, despite population being below 4,000 mandatory threshold). Local Land Use and Shoreland Zoning Ordinances also govern.
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

Payment note: Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (207) 728-3612 for current fee amounts.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Work with fair market value of $1,000 or less (confirm current threshold with CEO; ordinance conflict noted)
Accessory structures under 500 sq ft, under 21 ft tall, meeting setbacks, not used for habitation
Ordinary maintenance and repair

Important: Contact CEO at (207) 728-3612 to confirm exemption status; there is a conflicting provision in the posted 2021 Land Use Ordinance that references a $15,000 threshold -- confirm before relying on the exemption.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(207) 728-3612 (phone)
dduperre@madawaska.me (email)

Inspection hours: Monday-Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Wednesday-Thursday 8:00 AM - Noon; Friday Closed. Plumbing Inspector by appointment only.

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

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IECC, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (voluntarily adopted as of April 7, 2025, despite population being below 4,000 mandatory threshold). Local Land Use and Shoreland Zoning Ordinances also govern.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Land Use Ordinance PDF
DEP Environmental Permits
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 Office of Code Enforcement (and Planning) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Madawaska Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Madawaska, ME?: Erecting, moving, adding to, or externally enlarging any building or structure.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Madawaska, ME?: 1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer at (207) 728-3612 or dduperre@madawaska.me before beginning; for plumbing work, contact the Licensed Plumbing Inspector at (207) 200-5491. 2. Download the appropriate permit application from https://townofmadawaska.com/town_departments/permit_application_forms.php. 3. Complete the application with all required information including project description, cost, site plan, and ownership documentation. 4. Ensure Dig Safe (call 811) is completed before any excavation work. 5. Submit the completed application with required documents by email, mail, or in person at 328 St. Thomas Street, Suite 101. Submit at least 3 weeks prior to planned construction start; allow a minimum 2-week review time. 6. CEO must approve or deny the application within 14 working days of receiving a complete submission. 7. Pay applicable fees before permit issuance. 8. Permit expires if work has not started within 1 year. Permits not substantially complete within 2 years lapse unless renewal is requested. 9. Contact CEO to schedule required inspections. 10. A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupying the structure; it is unlawful to use or occupy covered work until the CEO issues the CO.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Madawaska, ME?: Typical processing time is CEO must act within 14 working days; plan to submit at least 3 weeks before start date..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Madawaska, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Work with fair market value of $1,000 or less (confirm current threshold with CEO; ordinance conflict noted); Accessory structures under 500 sq ft, under 21 ft tall, meeting setbacks, not used for habitation; Ordinary maintenance and repair. Note: Contact CEO at (207) 728-3612 to confirm exemption status; there is a conflicting provision in the posted 2021 Land Use Ordinance that references a $15,000 threshold -- confirm before relying on the exemption.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Madawaska, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 728-3612, dduperre@madawaska.me.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Madawaska can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Aroostook County

Fort Kent Caribou Houlton

View all Aroostook County jurisdictions →