How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Castine, ME?

1. Contact the town office at 207-326-4502 or visit Emerson Hall to speak with the Code Enforcement Officer about your project. 2. Determine all required permits: building permit, flood plain permit (if in flood zone), subdivision permit (if applicable), sewer connection permit, internal plumbing permit, subsurface wastewater permit, historic preservation approval (if within historic district or affecting historic resources), fire permit. 3. For projects in the historic district, obtain Historic Preservation Commission approval before or concurrent with building permit application. 4. Obtain application forms from Emerson Hall. 5. Submit completed application with required documents. 6. CEO reviews for compliance with local zoning ordinance and applicable codes. 7. Pay fee and receive permit. 8. Post permit at job site; schedule inspections.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Castine, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair. Note: Confirm with CEO; historic district work has very limited exemptions even for minor changes to exteriors.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Castine, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-326-4502.

City Building Permits

Town of Castine, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Castine, Maine. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maine Hancock County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Castine. Very small town (~1,300 population). Well below 4,000 -- MUBEC enforcement is voluntary. Historic maritime town; home to Maine Maritime Academy. Active Historic Preservation Commission and Historic Preservation Ordinance. Significant shoreland and coastal considerations. National Register historic district.

Department: Code Enforcement / Town Office, Town of Castine
Address: Emerson Hall, 67 Court Street, P.O. Box 204, Castine, ME 04421
Phone: 207-326-4502
Website: https://castine.me.us/ordinances-policies/

Online Permit Portal

Open Town Office

Platform: In-person Submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Contact the town office at 207-326-4502 or visit Emerson Hall to speak with the Code Enforcement Officer about your project.
Determine all required permits: building permit, flood plain permit (if in flood zone), subdivision permit (if applicable), sewer connection permit, internal plumbing permit, subsurface wastewater permit, historic preservation approval (if within historic district or affecting historic resources), fire permit.
For projects in the historic district, obtain Historic Preservation Commission approval before or concurrent with building permit application.
Obtain application forms from Emerson Hall.
Submit completed application with required documents.
CEO reviews for compliance with local zoning ordinance and applicable codes.
Pay fee and receive permit.
Post permit at job site; schedule inspections.

Source: Code Enforcement / Town Office, Town of Castine

General Requirements

Building, flood plain, subdivision, sewer connection, plumbing, historic preservation (if applicable), and fire permits. All permits available at the town office.

Required Documents

Application form
Site plan
Construction drawings
Flood zone documentation if applicable
Historic preservation application if applicable

Building code: Castine is below 4,000 population; MUBEC is optional. Town enforces local building and zoning ordinance. Contact CEO to confirm current code standard applied.
Contractor requirements: Maine-licensed electrician and plumber.

Fees

Payment note: Contact town office at 207-326-4502. No publicly posted fee schedule identified during research.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary maintenance and repair

Important: Confirm with CEO; historic district work has very limited exemptions even for minor changes to exteriors.

Inspections

How to Schedule

207-326-4502 (phone)

Additional Resources

Building code: Castine is below 4,000 population; MUBEC is optional. Town enforces local building and zoning ordinance. Contact CEO to confirm current code standard applied.
Ordinances and Policies
Maine Historic Preservation Commission
Maine DEP Shoreland Zoning
License lookup guide: Maine Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Maine Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Maine hub: Maine Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Code Enforcement / Town Office, Town of Castine before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Castine Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Castine, ME?: Building, flood plain, subdivision, sewer connection, plumbing, historic preservation (if applicable), and fire permits. All permits available at the town office.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Castine, ME?: 1. Contact the town office at 207-326-4502 or visit Emerson Hall to speak with the Code Enforcement Officer about your project. 2. Determine all required permits: building permit, flood plain permit (if in flood zone), subdivision permit (if applicable), sewer connection permit, internal plumbing permit, subsurface wastewater permit, historic preservation approval (if within historic district or affecting historic resources), fire permit. 3. For projects in the historic district, obtain Historic Preservation Commission approval before or concurrent with building permit application. 4. Obtain application forms from Emerson Hall. 5. Submit completed application with required documents. 6. CEO reviews for compliance with local zoning ordinance and applicable codes. 7. Pay fee and receive permit. 8. Post permit at job site; schedule inspections.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Castine, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair. Note: Confirm with CEO; historic district work has very limited exemptions even for minor changes to exteriors.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Castine, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-326-4502.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Castine can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Hancock County

Blue Hill Deer Isle Penobscot

View all Hancock County jurisdictions →