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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structure. Note: Confirm with CEO for LUO-specific exemptions.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-244-5404.

City Building Permits

Town of Southwest Harbor, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Hancock County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Southwest Harbor, on the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island. Population approximately 1,900. MUBEC enforcement voluntary. Working boatbuilding and maritime community adjacent to Acadia National Park.

Department: Code Enforcement / CEO and Assessing Office, Town of Southwest Harbor
Address: Town of Southwest Harbor, P.O. Box 745, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Phone: 207-244-5404
Website: http://www.southwestharbormaine.org/code-enforcement.html

Online Permit Portal

Open Applications and Permits

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

Additional resources:

Planning Board / Code Enforcement

Application Process

Contact CEO John Larson at 207-244-5404 or visit the CEO/Assessing Office during office hours (Mon-Thu 7:30-5:30) to discuss your project.
The CEO administers the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) and related ordinances. Determine what permits are required (building, shoreland, plumbing, flood plain, etc.).
Obtain application forms from the CEO/Assessing Office or the town website.
Submit completed application with required documents. The CEO office can assist with application preparation.
CEO reviews for compliance with the LUO and applicable codes.
Pay fee and receive permit.
Post permit at job site; schedule inspections.

Source: Code Enforcement / CEO and Assessing Office, Town of Southwest Harbor

General Requirements

For all construction, alteration, enlargement, demolition. Shoreland zone work requires separate shoreland permit. Land Use Ordinance governs all land use activity.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan
Construction drawings
Shoreland documentation if applicable

Building code: Below 4,000 population; MUBEC enforcement is voluntary. Town enforces its Land Use Ordinance. Contact CEO for current code standards applied.
Contractor requirements: Maine-licensed electrician and plumber.

Fees

Payment note: Contact CEO office at 207-244-5404. All types of applications and ordinances available in the CEO/Assessing Office.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structure

Important: Confirm with CEO for LUO-specific exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

207-244-5404 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday -- Thursday 7:30 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m.

Additional Resources

Building code: Below 4,000 population; MUBEC enforcement is voluntary. Town enforces its Land Use Ordinance. Contact CEO for current code standards applied.
Applications and Permits
Ordinances
Planning Board / Code Enforcement
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 / CEO and Assessing Office, Town of Southwest Harbor before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Southwest Harbor Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Southwest Harbor, ME?: For all construction, alteration, enlargement, demolition. Shoreland zone work requires separate shoreland permit. Land Use Ordinance governs all land use activity.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Southwest Harbor, ME?: 1. Contact CEO John Larson at 207-244-5404 or visit the CEO/Assessing Office during office hours (Mon-Thu 7:30-5:30) to discuss your project. 2. The CEO administers the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) and related ordinances. Determine what permits are required (building, shoreland, plumbing, flood plain, etc.). 3. Obtain application forms from the CEO/Assessing Office or the town website. 4. Submit completed application with required documents. The CEO office can assist with application preparation. 5. CEO reviews for compliance with the LUO and applicable codes. 6. Pay fee and receive permit. 7. Post permit at job site; schedule inspections.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Southwest Harbor, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structure. Note: Confirm with CEO for LUO-specific exemptions.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Southwest Harbor, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-244-5404.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Southwest Harbor 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

Mount Desert Tremont Bar Harbor

View all Hancock County jurisdictions →