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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bristol
All construction, structural alterations, additions, demolition, and land use activities per Land Use Standards Ordinance. Separate shoreland zoning permits required for work in the shoreland zone. Driveway permits required for new or altered driveways.
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance not involving structural change
Note: Refer to Land Use Standards Ordinance for full exemption list.
- Building Permit Application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Shoreland zoning application if applicable
- Building code
- MUBEC adoption discretionary (population under 4,000). Town enforces local Land Use Standards Ordinance. Certificate of Occupancy required (effective April 1, 2022) before occupying any structure that received a building permit.
- Contractor requirements
- State-licensed electrician for electrical. State-licensed plumber for plumbing. No Maine general contractor license.
Source: Code Enforcement ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Selectmen review at weekly Wednesday meetings.
- 01 Contact CEO Joe Rose at ceo@bristolmaine.org or (207) 563-5270 to discuss project and determine permit requirements.
- 02 Download applicable permit application from bristolmaine.org/about-us/pages/town-permitsapplications (Building Permit, Driveway Permit, Shoreland Zoning Application, and others).
- 03 Complete application with required supporting documents.
- 04 Submit to town office; Selectmen review building permit applications at Wednesday meetings (7:00 PM).
- 05 Pay permit fee per fee schedule (Bristol permit fee schedule for building and plumbing available on town website at bristolmaine.org/code-enforcement/files/permit-fee-schedule-building-plumbing).
- 06 Note for commercial/unheated structures: Fee is 20 cents per square foot of footprint.
- 07 Permit issued; effective April 1, 2022, a Certificate of Occupancy is required before any structure that has received a building permit may be occupied or used.
- 08 Post permit card at job site.
- 09 Schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Selectmen review at weekly Wednesday meetings.
Source: Code Enforcement ↗
Fee schedule
Bristol building permit fees
Contact town office at (207) 563-5270.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- ceo@bristolmaine.org (email)
- (207) 563-5270 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Code Enforcement: Monday through Wednesday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Friday through Sunday closed.
Typical sequence: Per Land Use Standards Ordinance and MUBEC (if applicable); Certificate of Occupancy required before any permitted structure is occupied.
Source: Code Enforcement ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bristol permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bristol, ME? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bristol, ME? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bristol, ME? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Bristol, ME? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Bristol, ME? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bristol, ME? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.