City Building Permits

Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Cumberland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Cape Elizabeth municipal limits. Enforces MUBEC, local zoning, and shoreland zoning. Launched GovWell online permitting software May 8, 2025.

Department
Code Enforcement Office
Address
320 Ocean House Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Phone
207-799-0881
Website
https://www.capeelizabeth.com/departments/CodeEnforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open GovWell

Platform: GovWell • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Create account at app.govwelltech.com/cape-elizabeth.
  2. Select permit type (Building, Electrical Service, Wiring, Plumbing, Waste Water, HVAC, Flood Hazard, Demolition, Health, Sign).
  3. Upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance docs).
  4. Submit application online.
  5. Staff reviews; may request additional information.
  6. Pay permit fee per current fee schedule.
  7. Permit issued; post at job site.
  8. Schedule inspections through GovWell portal.
  9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Source: Code Enforcement Office

General Requirements

For construction, structural alteration, enlargement, or relocation of any building or structure. Multiple permit types may be required (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Flood Hazard, etc.). Additional approvals may be required from Planning Board, Public Works, Board of Zoning Appeals, or Town Clerk.

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • site plan
  • construction drawings
  • energy compliance documentation.
Building code
MUBEC; 2021 I-codes effective April 7, 2025.
Owner-builder
Not detailed; contact department.
Contractor requirements
State-licensed electrician and plumber required.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Not fully detailed in public sources; refer to fee schedule PDF.
Payment note
Contact department or pay through GovWell portal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary maintenance not involving structural change
  • Painting and similar finish work

Important: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 and Cape Elizabeth local ordinance; see https://www.capeelizabeth.com/Code-Enforcement-FAQ

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Online portal (online)
  • 207-799-0881 (phone)
  • 207-799-7141 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm; Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm; Friday closed

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, final

Contact department.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Cape Elizabeth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME?
For construction, structural alteration, enlargement, or relocation of any building or structure. Multiple permit types may be required (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Flood Hazard, etc.). Additional approvals may be required from Planning Board, Public Works, Board of Zoning Appeals, or Town Clerk.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Fees are calculated as: Not fully detailed in public sources; refer to fee schedule PDF..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME?
1. Create account at app.govwelltech.com/cape-elizabeth. 2. Select permit type (Building, Electrical Service, Wiring, Plumbing, Waste Water, HVAC, Flood Hazard, Demolition, Health, Sign). 3. Upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance docs). 4. Submit application online. 5. Staff reviews; may request additional information. 6. Pay permit fee per current fee schedule. 7. Permit issued; post at job site. 8. Schedule inspections through GovWell portal. 9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance not involving structural change; Painting and similar finish work. Note: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 and Cape Elizabeth local ordinance; see https://www.capeelizabeth.com/Code-Enforcement-FAQ
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Cape Elizabeth, ME?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Online portal, 207-799-0881, 207-799-7141.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Cape Elizabeth can be complicated.

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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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