On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Madawaska
Erecting, moving, adding to, or externally enlarging any building or structure.
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
- Exempt Work with fair market value of $1,000 or less (confirm current threshold with CEO; ordinance conflict noted)
- Exempt Accessory structures under 500 sq ft, under 21 ft tall, meeting setbacks, not used for habitation
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan (showing lot lines, setbacks, driveways, wells, and septic)
- Ownership documentation
- Project narrative
- 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.
- Permit validity
- 1 year to begin work; must be substantially complete within 2 years; 6-month renewal available upon request.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: CEO must act within 14 working days; plan to submit at least 3 weeks before start date.
- 01 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.
- 02 Download the appropriate permit application from https://townofmadawaska.com/town_departments/permit_application_forms.php.
- 03 Complete the application with all required information including project description, cost, site plan, and ownership documentation.
- 04 Ensure Dig Safe (call 811) is completed before any excavation work.
- 05 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.
- 06 CEO must approve or deny the application within 14 working days of receiving a complete submission.
- 07 Pay applicable fees before permit issuance.
- 08 Permit expires if work has not started within 1 year. Permits not substantially complete within 2 years lapse unless renewal is requested.
- 09 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.
Typical processing time: CEO must act within 14 working days; plan to submit at least 3 weeks before start date.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough electrical, mechanical, final, Certificate of Occupancy.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Madawaska permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Madawaska, ME? ▸
Erecting, moving, adding to, or externally enlarging any building or structure.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Madawaska, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Madawaska, ME, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Madawaska, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in Madawaska, ME typically run CEO must act within 14 working days; plan to submit at least 3 weeks before start date.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Madawaska, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Madawaska, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Madawaska, ME via: (207) 728-3612, dduperre@madawaska.me.
last verified April 2026
source Office of Code Enforcement (and Planning) ↗
entry id permits/maine/aroostook/madawaska
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Office of Code Enforcement (and Planning) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.