City Building Permits
Town of Union, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Town of Union, Maine. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Town of Union, population approximately 2,200. Rural inland community, well below MUBEC mandatory threshold. Enforces Maine State Plumbing Code and subsurface wastewater disposal rules. May use contracted or part-time CEO. Shoreland zoning applies to Crawford Lake (Alford Lake), Seven Tree Pond, and other water bodies within town.
- Department
- Code Enforcement Office
- Address
- 1070 Heald Highway (Route 17), Union, ME 04862
- Phone
- 207-785-3658
- Website
- https://www.union.maine.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-person / paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Contact Code Enforcement Office to confirm what permits are required.
- Obtain permit application forms from town office.
- Prepare site plan and project description appropriate to scope.
- Submit application with fee payment.
- CEO reviews and approves or requests additional information.
- Post permit at job site; begin work.
- Schedule and pass required inspections.
Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact office
Source: Code Enforcement Office
General Requirements
New construction, structural alterations, additions, demolition. Subsurface wastewater (septic) permits required for new or replacement systems. Shoreland Zoning permit required near regulated water bodies.
Required Documents
- Application
- Site plan
- Drawings as appropriate to scope
- Permit validity
- Work within 180 days typically; confirm with CEO
- Building code
- MUBEC optional for towns under 4,000; CEO may apply MUBEC or base standards. Subsurface wastewater regulated by Maine DEP/DHHS rules. Confirm current code adoption with CEO.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may perform own work; licensed electricians and plumbers required for trade permits
- Contractor requirements
- Maine-licensed electrician and plumber
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Contact CEO
- Payment note
- Cash or check payable to Town of Union
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Routine maintenance and repair
- Agricultural outbuildings not for human occupancy
Important: Confirm exemptions with CEO; rural towns may have broader local exemptions. Shoreland Zoning still applies in regulated zones regardless of building permit exemption.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 207-785-3658 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Part-time or limited hours common in small Maine towns; call ahead
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation (if new construction), framing, rough-in as applicable, final
Additional Resources
- Building code: MUBEC optional for towns under 4,000; CEO may apply MUBEC or base standards. Subsurface wastewater regulated by Maine DEP/DHHS rules. Confirm current code adoption with CEO.
- Verify contractor license: Maine Board of Electricians' Examiners
- Town Website
- Maine Subsurface Wastewater Rules
- Maine DEP Shoreland Zoning
- 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 Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Town of Union Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Town of Union, ME?
- New construction, structural alterations, additions, demolition. Subsurface wastewater (septic) permits required for new or replacement systems. Shoreland Zoning permit required near regulated water bodies.
- How much does a building permit cost in Town of Union, ME?
- Fees are calculated as: Contact CEO.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Union, ME?
- 1. Contact Code Enforcement Office to confirm what permits are required. 2. Obtain permit application forms from town office. 3. Prepare site plan and project description appropriate to scope. 4. Submit application with fee payment. 5. CEO reviews and approves or requests additional information. 6. Post permit at job site; begin work. 7. Schedule and pass required inspections.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Union, ME?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact office.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Union, ME?
- The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance and repair; Agricultural outbuildings not for human occupancy. Note: Confirm exemptions with CEO; rural towns may have broader local exemptions. Shoreland Zoning still applies in regulated zones regardless of building permit exemption.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Union, ME?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-785-3658.
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