On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Falmouth
For any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure. Starting work without a permit results in fines of $100 to $2,500 per violation.
Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work
Note: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 for complete list; confirm with Code Enforcement.
Required documents
- Completed application
- site plan
- construction drawings
- energy compliance documentation.
- Building code
- MUBEC; 2021 I-codes effective April 7, 2025.
- Permit validity
- Work must start within 1 year of permit issuance. Permit expires if work is not substantially complete within 2 years of issuance.
- Owner-builder
- Not detailed; contact department.
- Contractor requirements
- State-licensed electrician and plumber required.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Review permit types at falmouthme.org/368/Permits-Forms to identify required application.
- 02 Complete online form or download PDF application.
- 03 Submit application with required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance form).
- 04 Code Enforcement Officer reviews application.
- 05 Pay permit fee (minimum $25; rates vary by project type).
- 06 Permit issued; post at job site.
- 07 Schedule inspections.
- 08 Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued for new construction.
Source: Community Development -- Code Enforcement Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Falmouth building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
Plan check fee
Not separately listed; included in permit fee structure.
03
Permit fee formula
- Residential new construction: $0.25/sq ft finished area; $0.05/sq ft unfinished area; foundation only: $100. - Sheds under 200 sf: $25. Sheds over 200 sf: $25 plus $0.05/sf. - Accessory buildings over 200 sf: $25 plus $0.05/sf. - Porch/deck: $10 plus $0.15/sq ft of floor area. - Commercial new construction: $10 per $1,000 of construction cost. - Residential renovation: $5 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost. - Commercial renovation: $20 plus $7 per $1,000. - Swimming pools: $75.
Cash, check, or credit card accepted.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 207-699-5310 (phone)
- code@falmouthme.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm; Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Friday closed. See https://www.falmouthme.org/community-development-code-enforcement-division/pages/inspection-schedule
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, final
Contact department.
Source: Community Development -- Code Enforcement Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Falmouth permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Falmouth, ME? ▸
For any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change of occupancy of any building or structure. Starting work without a permit results in fines of $100 to $2,500 per violation.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Falmouth, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Falmouth, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: - Residential new construction: $0.25/sq ft finished area; $0.05/sq ft unfinished area; foundation only: $100. - Sheds under 200 sf: $25. Sheds over 200 sf: $25 plus $0.05/sf. - Accessory buildings over 200 sf: $25 plus $0.05/sf. - Porch/deck: $10 plus $0.15/sq ft of floor area. - Commercial new construction: $10 per $1,000 of construction cost. - Residential renovation: $5 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost. - Commercial renovation: $20 plus $7 per $1,000. - Swimming pools: $75.. Plan check fee: Not separately listed; included in permit fee structure..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Falmouth, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Falmouth, ME, follow these steps: 1. Review permit types at falmouthme.org/368/Permits-Forms to identify required application. 2. Complete online form or download PDF application. 3. Submit application with required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance form). 4. Code Enforcement Officer reviews application. 5. Pay permit fee (minimum $25; rates vary by project type). 6. Permit issued; post at job site. 7. Schedule inspections. 8. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued for new construction.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Falmouth, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Falmouth, ME. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, and similar finish work. Note: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 for complete list; confirm with Code Enforcement. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Falmouth, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Falmouth, ME via: 207-699-5310, code@falmouthme.org.
last verified April 2026
source Community Development -- Code Enforcement Division ↗
entry id permits/maine/cumberland/falmouth
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development -- Code Enforcement Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.