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.

Maine Knox County Updated March 2026

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

Online Permit Portal

Platform: In-person / paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  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.

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

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.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Union can be complicated.

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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.

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