On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for China
Permits must be obtained BEFORE starting any project or fines and possible removal may result; new construction, additions, renovations, demolitions, driveways, signs, plumbing, and shoreland zone work
Not explicitly listed; contact CEO
Deck standards and fastening guides available on website; contact CEO to confirm if permit needed
- Exempt Not explicitly listed; contact CEO
- Exempt Deck standards and fastening guides available on website; contact CEO to confirm if permit needed
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the permitting office before proceeding.
Required documents
- Building Permit Application or CEO Permit Application
- site plan
- plumbing application (internal)
- variance and appeal application if needed
- DEP shoreland zone certifications for applicable projects
- Building code
- References IRC (International Residential Code) including frost-protected shallow foundations and egress window standards; MUBEC adoption status -- contact CEO (China population under 4,000)
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors in shoreland zone must be DEP-certified in erosion and sedimentation control; electrical and plumbing require state licensing
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: CEO has 35 days to issue permit once complete application received
- 01 Contact CEO Nicholas French at ceo@chinamaine.org or (207) 445-2014 option 5
- 02 Download building permit application or CEO permit application from chinamaine.org
- 03 Complete application; attach site plan and required supporting documents
- 04 Submit to town office at 571 Lakeview Drive
- 05 CEO has 35 days to issue or deny permit after complete application received
- 06 Fee collected per fee schedule (updated 2/24/2025)
- 07 Permit issued; keep on site; obtain required inspections
- 08 For shoreland zone work: all contractors must be DEP-certified in erosion and sediment control
Typical processing time: CEO has 35 days to issue permit once complete application received
§ 04
Fee schedule
China building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in review fees per fee schedule
Contact office
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ceo@chinamaine.org (email)
- (207) 445-2014 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM; closed Wednesday; first and last Saturday 8:00 AM-11:00 AM
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about China permits
01 Do I need a building permit in China, ME? ▸
Permits must be obtained BEFORE starting any project or fines and possible removal may result; new construction, additions, renovations, demolitions, driveways, signs, plumbing, and shoreland zone work
02 How do I apply for a building permit in China, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in China, ME, follow these steps: 1. Contact CEO Nicholas French at ceo@chinamaine.org or (207) 445-2014 option 5 2. Download building permit application or CEO permit application from chinamaine.org 3. Complete application; attach site plan and required supporting documents 4. Submit to town office at 571 Lakeview Drive 5. CEO has 35 days to issue or deny permit after complete application received 6. Fee collected per fee schedule (updated 2/24/2025) 7. Permit issued; keep on site; obtain required inspections 8. For shoreland zone work: all contractors must be DEP-certified in erosion and sediment control
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in China, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in China, ME typically run CEO has 35 days to issue permit once complete application received. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in China, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in China, ME. The following work is generally exempt: Not explicitly listed; contact CEO; Deck standards and fastening guides available on website; contact CEO to confirm if permit needed. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the permitting office before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in China, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in China, ME via: ceo@chinamaine.org, (207) 445-2014.
last verified April 2026
source Code Enforcement Officer / Building Official ↗
entry id permits/maine/kennebec/china
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement Officer / Building Official before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.