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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cumberland
For all new construction, additions, structural alterations. Separate electrical and plumbing permits required.
Ordinary maintenance not involving structural change
Painting, decorating, and similar finish work
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance not involving structural change
- Exempt Painting, decorating, and similar finish work
Note: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 for complete list.
Required documents
- Completed application
- site plan
- full set of construction plans (elevations
- section drawings
- floor plans).
- Building code
- 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Building Code, and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code as required by MUBEC.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may obtain separate electrical permit if they perform electrical work themselves; contact department for details.
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed electrician required for electrical permits; licensed plumber for plumbing.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download building permit application from townofcumberlandmaine.gov/187/Code-Enforcement or pick up at 290 Tuttle Road.
- 02 Complete application; include site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings as required.
- 03 If plumbing work is involved, obtain plumbing permit from Licensed Plumbing Inspector.
- 04 If electrical work is involved, obtain separate electrical permit (licensed electrician required).
- 05 Submit application with all required documents to Building Inspector's office.
- 06 Inspector reviews for compliance with 2021 IRC/IBC/IECC (MUBEC).
- 07 Pay permit fee (minimum $50 general; minimum $25 for decks and sheds).
- 08 Permit issued; post at job site.
- 09 Schedule required inspections.
- 10 Final inspection and close-out.
Source: Code Enforcement Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Cumberland building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00 (general); $25.00 minimum for decks and sheds.
02
Permit fee formula
Not fully detailed in public sources; refer to Fees and Fines document.
Contact department.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 207-829-2207 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Business hours at 290 Tuttle Road; contact for schedule.
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, final
Contact department.
Source: Code Enforcement Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cumberland permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cumberland, ME? ▸
For all new construction, additions, structural alterations. Separate electrical and plumbing permits required.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cumberland, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Cumberland, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00 (general); $25.00 minimum for decks and sheds.. Fees are calculated as: Not fully detailed in public sources; refer to Fees and Fines document..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cumberland, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Cumberland, ME, follow these steps: 1. Download building permit application from townofcumberlandmaine.gov/187/Code-Enforcement or pick up at 290 Tuttle Road. 2. Complete application; include site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings as required. 3. If plumbing work is involved, obtain plumbing permit from Licensed Plumbing Inspector. 4. If electrical work is involved, obtain separate electrical permit (licensed electrician required). 5. Submit application with all required documents to Building Inspector's office. 6. Inspector reviews for compliance with 2021 IRC/IBC/IECC (MUBEC). 7. Pay permit fee (minimum $50 general; minimum $25 for decks and sheds). 8. Permit issued; post at job site. 9. Schedule required inspections. 10. Final inspection and close-out.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Cumberland, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Cumberland, ME. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance not involving structural change; Painting, decorating, and similar finish work. Note: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 for complete list. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cumberland, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cumberland, ME via: 207-829-2207.
last verified April 2026
source Code Enforcement Department ↗
entry id permits/maine/cumberland/cumberland-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.