Scarborough, ME — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Planning and Codes Department (Code Enforcement Division)

Street address

Scarborough Municipal Building Lower Level, Room 125, 259 U.S. Route 1, P.O. Box 360, Scarborough, ME 04070-0360

Phone

(207) 730-4040

Coverage

Town of Scarborough municipal limits. Code Enforcement processes and approves permits for construction, electrical, plumbing, heating, and other site amenities.

Online portal

Permit Portal

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Portal Link 1 ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Scarborough

For all construction, electrical, plumbing, heating, and various site amenities per local ordinance.

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary maintenance not involving structural change

Exempt

Painting and similar finish work

Exempt

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

Note: Refer to MUBEC Section 105.2 and local ordinance for complete list.

Required documents

Completed application
site plan
construction drawings
energy compliance documentation.

Building code: MUBEC; 2021 I-codes required for permits applied for after April 7, 2025.
Owner-builder: Not detailed; contact department.
Contractor requirements: State-licensed electrician and plumber required for trade permits.

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Download the Residential Building Permit Package or appropriate application from scarboroughmaine.org.
02

Prepare required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance form).
03

Submit completed application package to Code Enforcement, Room 125, Municipal Building, 259 U.S. Route 1.
04

Staff reviews for compliance; may request additional information.
05

Pay permit fee.
06

Permit issued; post at job site.
07

Schedule inspections at required stages.
08

Final inspection and close-out.

Source: Planning and Codes Department (Code Enforcement Division) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Scarborough building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

Renovations and minor additions: $12.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost. Signs: $35.00 per sign. Excavating License: $150 annually. Excavating permits: $80.00 per permit plus road maintenance fees.

Contact department.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(207) 730-4040 (phone)

Inspection hours: Business hours at Municipal Building; contact for schedule.

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

Contact department.

Source: Planning and Codes Department (Code Enforcement Division) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Scarborough permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Scarborough, ME? ▸

For all construction, electrical, plumbing, heating, and various site amenities per local ordinance.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Scarborough, ME? ▸

Building permit fees in Scarborough, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Renovations and minor additions: $12.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost. Signs: $35.00 per sign. Excavating License: $150 annually. Excavating permits: $80.00 per permit plus road maintenance fees..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Scarborough, ME? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Scarborough, ME, follow these steps: 1. Download the Residential Building Permit Package or appropriate application from scarboroughmaine.org. 2. Prepare required documents (site plan, construction drawings, energy compliance form). 3. Submit completed application package to Code Enforcement, Room 125, Municipal Building, 259 U.S. Route 1. 4. Staff reviews for compliance; may request additional information. 5. Pay permit fee. 6. Permit issued; post at job site. 7. Schedule inspections at required stages. 8. Final inspection and close-out.

04 What work is exempt from building permits in Scarborough, ME? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Scarborough, 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 local ordinance for complete list. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Scarborough, ME? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Scarborough, ME via: (207) 730-4040.

last verified April 2026 source Planning and Codes Department (Code Enforcement Division) ↗ entry id permits/maine/cumberland/scarborough

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Codes Department (Code Enforcement Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Scarborough

Other jurisdictions in Cumberland County.