City Building Permits

Town of Mount Desert, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Hancock County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Mount Desert includes the villages of Northeast Harbor, Seal Harbor, Otter Creek, and Hall Quarry on the eastern and southern portions of Mount Desert Island. Population approximately 1,900. MUBEC enforcement voluntary. Significant Acadia National Park adjacency. Town is hiring additional staff and a deputy CEO.

Department
Code Enforcement / Planning Department, Town of Mount Desert
Address
21 Sea Street, P.O. Box 248, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
Phone
207-276-5731
Website
https://www.mtdesert.org/code-enforcement-planning

Online Permit Portal

Open Code Enforcement / Planning Department

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Contact the Code Enforcement/Planning Department at 207-276-5731 to discuss your project.
  2. All permits and accompanying submissions must be directed to the Code Enforcement Department at 21 Sea Street.
  3. All applications must be signed by the property owner, or individual demonstrating right, title or interest in the property, or the owner's authorized legal agent, representative, tenant, or contractor.
  4. Download and complete the applicable application forms from the town website.
  5. Submit application with required documents (site plan, construction drawings; shoreland zoning permit application if applicable).
  6. CEO reviews for compliance with the Land Use Ordinance (LUO, updated May 2024) and shoreland requirements.
  7. Pay applicable fee and receive permit.
  8. Post permit at job site; schedule required inspections.

Source: Code Enforcement / Planning Department, Town of Mount Desert

General Requirements

For all new construction, additions, alterations, demolition. Shoreland zoning permit required for work in shoreland zones (significant coverage given island location).

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Construction plans to scale
  • Elevation plans for height
  • Shoreland/floodplain documentation as applicable
  • HHE-200 septic plan if new septic
Building code
Below 4,000 population; MUBEC enforcement voluntary. The town's LUO was updated in May 2024 to incorporate building standards. Contact CEO for current code baseline applied.
Contractor requirements
Maine-licensed electrician and plumber.

Fees

Payment note
Contact department at 207-276-5731 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary maintenance and repair

Important: Confirm with CEO; shoreland and LUO have limited exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 207-276-5731 (phone)

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Mount Desert Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Mount Desert, ME?
For all new construction, additions, alterations, demolition. Shoreland zoning permit required for work in shoreland zones (significant coverage given island location).
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Mount Desert, ME?
1. Contact the Code Enforcement/Planning Department at 207-276-5731 to discuss your project. 2. All permits and accompanying submissions must be directed to the Code Enforcement Department at 21 Sea Street. 3. All applications must be signed by the property owner, or individual demonstrating right, title or interest in the property, or the owner's authorized legal agent, representative, tenant, or contractor. 4. Download and complete the applicable application forms from the town website. 5. Submit application with required documents (site plan, construction drawings; shoreland zoning permit application if applicable). 6. CEO reviews for compliance with the Land Use Ordinance (LUO, updated May 2024) and shoreland requirements. 7. Pay applicable fee and receive permit. 8. Post permit at job site; schedule required inspections.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Mount Desert, ME?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair. Note: Confirm with CEO; shoreland and LUO have limited exemptions.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Mount Desert, ME?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-276-5731.

Need help with your project?

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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.

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