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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Portland
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.
Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
Painting, decorating, and finish work
Replacement of existing fixtures in kind (non-structural)
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
- Exempt Painting, decorating, and finish work
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine permit type required (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.).
- 02 Create an account on the Online Permit Services portal or obtain PDF application from the department website.
- 03 Submit application with required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance docs).
- 04 Staff reviews for completeness and code compliance; may request additional information.
- 05 Pay permit fee upon approval (cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check payable to City of Portland).
- 06 Permit issued; post permit card at job site.
- 07 Schedule required inspections during construction.
- 08 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Portland building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not confirmed from publicly available data; contact department.
02
Plan check fee
Included in review process; additional fees may apply for complex projects.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. Fees are calculated on estimated total construction cost. Specific tiered rates apply by project type.
04
Reinspection fee
Listed at https://www.portlandmaine.gov/531/Permit-Violation-Fees
Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check payable to City of Portland. All fees due prior to permit issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online portal (online)
- 207-874-8703 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Permitting and Inspections Department business hours (contact for current schedule)
Typical 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Portland permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Portland, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Portland, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Portland, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Portland, ME, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Portland, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Portland, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Portland, ME via: Online portal, 207-874-8703.
last verified April 2026
source Permitting and Inspections Department ↗
entry id permits/maine/cumberland/portland
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Permitting and Inspections Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.