How much does a building permit cost in Augusta, ME?

Fees are calculated as: Square-footage based -- residential new principal structures $0.24 per sq ft plus $15; commercial new principal structures $0.36 per sq ft plus $30. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; no separate plan check fee publicly listed.

How do I apply for a building permit in Augusta, ME?

1. Determine project type (residential, commercial, demolition, sign, flood hazard, plumbing/septic) 2. Download or access the appropriate application via the iWorQ portal or city website 3. Submit application with required documents online via portal or in person at 16 Cony St 4. Bureau staff reviews application for ordinance and code compliance 5. Fee is assessed and collected 6. Permit is issued; copy must be kept on site during construction 7. Schedule required inspections with the bureau during construction 8. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy if applicable

What work is exempt from building permits in Augusta, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; Window awnings on Group R-3 or Group U occupancies; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height; Agricultural buildings used exclusively for farming (barns, silos, greenhouses) unless converted. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspection Division before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Augusta, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 626-2365.

City Building Permits

Augusta, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Kennebec County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Augusta; all construction and land use within city limits

Department: Bureau of Code Enforcement
Address: 16 Cony Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 626-2365
Email: codes@augustamaine.gov
Website: https://www.augustamaine.gov/code-enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open iWorQ

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Determine project type (residential, commercial, demolition, sign, flood hazard, plumbing/septic)
Download or access the appropriate application via the iWorQ portal or city website
Submit application with required documents online via portal or in person at 16 Cony St
Bureau staff reviews application for ordinance and code compliance
Fee is assessed and collected
Permit is issued; copy must be kept on site during construction
Schedule required inspections with the bureau during construction
Final inspection and certificate of occupancy if applicable

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; bureau processes approximately 500 building permits per year

Source: Bureau of Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Required for new structures, additions, alterations, demolitions, signs, blasting, and flood hazard development

Required Documents

Completed application (residential or commercial)
Two sets of plans for most projects
Site plan showing setbacks, sewage disposal, driveways, and property lines
Contractor info where applicable

Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), adopted per Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Chapter 1103
Owner-builder: Not specified; contact bureau
Contractor requirements: Electrical permits handled separately by Maine State Electricians Examining Board

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; no separate plan check fee publicly listed
Permit fee formula: Square-footage based -- residential new principal structures $0.24 per sq ft plus $15; commercial new principal structures $0.36 per sq ft plus $30
Penalty (no permit): Permits applied for after construction starts are subject to double fees unless extenuating circumstances exist
Payment note: Payment collected through bureau; online portal or in person

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets
Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
Window awnings on Group R-3 or Group U occupancies
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height
Agricultural buildings used exclusively for farming (barns, silos, greenhouses) unless converted

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspection Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(207) 626-2365 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, final (sequence varies by project type)

Additional Resources

Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), adopted per Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Chapter 1103
Verify contractor license: Maine IBOL License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Shoreland Zoning Overlay Map
Historic District Overlay Map
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 Bureau of Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Augusta, ME?: Required for new structures, additions, alterations, demolitions, signs, blasting, and flood hazard development
How much does a building permit cost in Augusta, ME?: Fees are calculated as: Square-footage based -- residential new principal structures $0.24 per sq ft plus $15; commercial new principal structures $0.36 per sq ft plus $30. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; no separate plan check fee publicly listed.
How do I apply for a building permit in Augusta, ME?: 1. Determine project type (residential, commercial, demolition, sign, flood hazard, plumbing/septic) 2. Download or access the appropriate application via the iWorQ portal or city website 3. Submit application with required documents online via portal or in person at 16 Cony St 4. Bureau staff reviews application for ordinance and code compliance 5. Fee is assessed and collected 6. Permit is issued; copy must be kept on site during construction 7. Schedule required inspections with the bureau during construction 8. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy if applicable
How long does it take to get a building permit in Augusta, ME?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; bureau processes approximately 500 building permits per year.
What work is exempt from building permits in Augusta, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes; Window awnings on Group R-3 or Group U occupancies; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height; Agricultural buildings used exclusively for farming (barns, silos, greenhouses) unless converted. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspection Division before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Augusta, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 626-2365.

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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.