Hancock County, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The LUPC serves as the planning and zoning authority for all unorganized and deorganized territories (unincorporated areas) in Maine. In Hancock County, this includes several unorganized townships and remote island territories not incorporated as municipalities. LUPC zones cover forest, recreational, rural, and shoreland areas. Acadia National Park land itself is federal and outside LUPC jurisdiction, but private land within unorganized territories bordering the park is LUPC territory.

Department

Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC)

Address

22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

Email

ApplicationSubmissions.LUPC@maine.gov

Website

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Locate your parcel on the LUPC Parcel Viewer to confirm LUPC jurisdiction and identify the LUPC zone for your property.
2. Review the LUPC Regulation Manual for requirements specific to your zone.
3. Research the last 20 years of deed history for your parcel; obtain copies of deeds to include with your application.
4. Download the current Building Permit Application (ver. 03/2025).
5. Contact LUPC staff before submitting -- pre-application meetings and site visits are encouraged.
6. Submit complete application with: Completed Building Permit Application, Deed history (last 20 years), Site plan, Construction drawings, Applicable fee, Any required supporting documentation for the specific zone.
7. Submit electronically to ApplicationSubmissions.LUPC@maine.gov or by US mail to 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
8. LUPC reviews and issues permit (or requests additional information).
9. Post permit at job site; schedule required inspections with LUPC regional staff.

Source: Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC)

General Requirements

Building a new house or camp in LUPC territory requires a building permit. Expanding an existing residential structure generally requires a building permit. Effective January 29, 2025: Accessory structures (garages, sheds, decks) that meet LUPC standards require notification and self-verification rather than a full permit. Mining, subdivision, commercial development, and certain commercial activities require separate LUPC permits.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Deed history (last 20 years)
• Site plan
• Construction drawings
• Applicable supporting materials per zone

Building code

LUPC applies its own building and land use standards under Chapter 10 of LUPC Rules. MUBEC may apply depending on the specific zone and development type; consult LUPC.

Contractor requirements

Maine-licensed electrician and plumber regardless of LUPC jurisdiction.

Fees

Payment note

Fees vary by project type and size. Some LUPC-territory projects near water also require Maine DEP NRPA or Site Law permits with separate fee schedules.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory structures meeting LUPC standards (effective January 29, 2025): notification and self-verification required, no permit required
• Ordinary maintenance and repair in non-shoreland zones

Important: Confirm all exemptions with LUPC staff. Accessory structure notification is mandatory even when no permit is required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ApplicationSubmissions.LUPC@maine.gov (email)

Typical inspection sequence: LUPC regional staff conduct or coordinate inspections for permitted projects.

Additional Resources

• Building code: LUPC applies its own building and land use standards under Chapter 10 of LUPC Rules. MUBEC may apply depending on the specific zone and development type; consult LUPC.
• LUPC Rules Chapter 10
• LUPC Projects Page
• NRCM LUPC Overview
• Permitting in Maine's Unorganized Territories
• License lookup guide: Maine Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Maine Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Maine hub: Maine Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Hancock County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, ME?

Building a new house or camp in LUPC territory requires a building permit. Expanding an existing residential structure generally requires a building permit. Effective January 29, 2025: Accessory structures (garages, sheds, decks) that meet LUPC standards require notification and self-verification rather than a full permit. Mining, subdivision, commercial development, and certain commercial activities require separate LUPC permits.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hancock County, ME?

1. Locate your parcel on the LUPC Parcel Viewer to confirm LUPC jurisdiction and identify the LUPC zone for your property. 2. Review the LUPC Regulation Manual for requirements specific to your zone. 3. Research the last 20 years of deed history for your parcel; obtain copies of deeds to include with your application. 4. Download the current Building Permit Application (ver. 03/2025). 5. Contact LUPC staff before submitting -- pre-application meetings and site visits are encouraged. 6. Submit complete application with: Completed Building Permit Application, Deed history (last 20 years), Site plan, Construction drawings, Applicable fee, Any required supporting documentation for the specific zone. 7. Submit electronically to ApplicationSubmissions.LUPC@maine.gov or by US mail to 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. 8. LUPC reviews and issues permit (or requests additional information). 9. Post permit at job site; schedule required inspections with LUPC regional staff.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hancock County, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures meeting LUPC standards (effective January 29, 2025): notification and self-verification required, no permit required; Ordinary maintenance and repair in non-shoreland zones. Note: Confirm all exemptions with LUPC staff. Accessory structure notification is mandatory even when no permit is required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hancock County, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: ApplicationSubmissions.LUPC@maine.gov.