Portland, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of Portland municipal limits. Largest city in Maine and county seat. Enforces MUBEC, local zoning, and shoreland zoning.

Department

Permitting and Inspections Department

Address

389 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101

Phone

207-874-8703

Website

https://www.portlandmaine.gov/349/Permitting-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine permit type required (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.).
2. Create an account on the Online Permit Services portal or obtain PDF application from the department website.
3. Submit application with required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance docs).
4. Staff reviews for completeness and code compliance; may request additional information.
5. Pay permit fee upon approval (cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check payable to City of Portland).
6. Permit issued; post permit card at job site.
7. Schedule required inspections during construction.
8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.

Source: Permitting and Inspections Department

General Requirements

For construction, structural alteration, enlargement, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure, including sheds, decks, pools. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work also require separate trade permits.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• site plan showing lot and building location
• construction drawings/plans
• energy compliance documentation (ResCheck or ComCheck for new construction)
• contractor license information.

Building code

Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) based on 2021 IRC / 2021 IBC / 2021 IECC (effective April 7, 2025).

Owner-builder

Not detailed publicly; contact department.

Contractor requirements

State of Maine electrician license required for electrical permits. Licensed plumber required for plumbing permits.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not confirmed from publicly available data; contact department.

Plan check fee

Included in review process; additional fees may apply for complex projects.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based. Fees are calculated on estimated total construction cost. Specific tiered rates apply by project type.

Reinspection fee

Listed at https://www.portlandmaine.gov/531/Permit-Violation-Fees

Payment note

Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check payable to City of Portland. All fees due prior to permit issuance.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
• Painting, decorating, and finish work
• Replacement of existing fixtures in kind (non-structural)

Important: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 for the complete IRC/IBC exemption list; confirm with department for local additions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online portal (online)
• 207-874-8703 (phone)

Inspection hours

Permitting and Inspections Department business hours (contact for current schedule)

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing, framing, rough-in electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, final inspection / Certificate of Occupancy

Reinspection fees apply; see fee schedule at portlandmaine.gov/531

Additional Resources

• Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) based on 2021 IRC / 2021 IBC / 2021 IECC (effective April 7, 2025).
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Resource 1
• License lookup guide: Maine Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maine Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maine hub: Maine Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Portland, ME?

For construction, structural alteration, enlargement, relocation, or demolition of any building or structure, including sheds, decks, pools. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work also require separate trade permits.

How much does a building permit cost in Portland, ME?

The minimum permit fee is Not confirmed from publicly available data; contact department.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Fees are calculated on estimated total construction cost. Specific tiered rates apply by project type.. Plan check fee: Included in review process; additional fees may apply for complex projects..

How do I apply for a building permit in Portland, ME?

1. Determine permit type required (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.). 2. Create an account on the Online Permit Services portal or obtain PDF application from the department website. 3. Submit application with required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance docs). 4. Staff reviews for completeness and code compliance; may request additional information. 5. Pay permit fee upon approval (cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check payable to City of Portland). 6. Permit issued; post permit card at job site. 7. Schedule required inspections during construction. 8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.

What work is exempt from building permits in Portland, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change; Painting, decorating, and finish work; Replacement of existing fixtures in kind (non-structural). Note: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 for the complete IRC/IBC exemption list; confirm with department for local additions.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Portland, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online portal, 207-874-8703.

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