On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Augusta
Required for new structures, additions, alterations, demolitions, signs, blasting, and flood hazard development
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
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes
- Exempt Window awnings on Group R-3 or Group U occupancies
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height
- Exempt 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.
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
Source: Bureau of Code Enforcement ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; bureau processes approximately 500 building permits per year
- 01 Determine project type (residential, commercial, demolition, sign, flood hazard, plumbing/septic)
- 02 Download or access the appropriate application via the iWorQ portal or city website
- 03 Submit application with required documents online via portal or in person at 16 Cony St
- 04 Bureau staff reviews application for ordinance and code compliance
- 05 Fee is assessed and collected
- 06 Permit is issued; copy must be kept on site during construction
- 07 Schedule required inspections with the bureau during construction
- 08 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Augusta building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee; no separate plan check fee publicly listed
02
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
03
Penalty (no permit)
Permits applied for after construction starts are subject to double fees unless extenuating circumstances exist
Payment collected through bureau; online portal or in person
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (207) 626-2365 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, final (sequence varies by project type)
Source: Bureau of Code Enforcement ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Augusta permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Augusta, ME? ▸
Required for new structures, additions, alterations, demolitions, signs, blasting, and flood hazard development
02 How much does a building permit cost in Augusta, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Augusta, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Augusta, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Augusta, ME, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Augusta, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in Augusta, ME typically run Not publicly stated; bureau processes approximately 500 building permits per year. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Augusta, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Augusta, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Augusta, ME via: (207) 626-2365.
last verified April 2026
source Bureau of Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/maine/kennebec/augusta
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Bureau of Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.