On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Norway
New construction, renovations, garages, sheds, electrical work, internal plumbing, septic systems, and any change to a structure affecting structural elements, room layout, occupancy, or regulated building elements.
Burn permits not required for cooking and warming fires in established fire rings 36 inches or less in diameter.
General MUBEC exemptions apply: minor repairs, painting, flooring, direct replacement of fixtures, accessory structures below applicable size thresholds, and agricultural buildings used exclusively for farming.
- Exempt Burn permits not required for cooking and warming fires in established fire rings 36 inches or less in diameter.
- Exempt General MUBEC exemptions apply: minor repairs, painting, flooring, direct replacement of fixtures, accessory structures below applicable size thresholds, and agricultural buildings used exclusively for farming.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- site plan showing property lines
- road
- and distances
- cross-section drawing showing how construction goes together
- estimated project value.
- Building code
- MUBEC (2021 IBC / 2021 IRC effective April 7, 2025). Norway enforces MUBEC as a municipality over 4,000 population. Local building ordinance also adopted: https://norwaymaine.com/uploads/norway-building-code-2021.pdf
- Contractor requirements
- No general contractor state license required in Maine. Electricians and plumbers must hold applicable Maine state licenses.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the code enforcement page or contacting the office at (207) 743-6651 ext. 3.
- 02 Obtain application via iWorQ portal (https://norwayme2.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/norwayme2) or pick up the "purple folder" at Town Hall; left side contains forms to complete, right side contains reference information.
- 03 Complete the permit application with project scope, location, estimated cost, site plan showing distances to property lines and road, and a cross-section drawing showing construction method.
- 04 Submit application with supporting documents online or in person.
- 05 Pay the applicable permit fee.
- 06 Permit issued; begin work.
- 07 Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction.
- 08 Receive final approval before occupancy. - Processing time estimate if available: Not published; contact department. - Source URL: https://norwaymaine.com/pages/code-enforcement
§ 04
Fee schedule
Norway building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Square-footage-based schedule: - Concrete foundation/slab: $0.25 per sq ft - Living space per floor: $0.25 per sq ft + $30 flat fee - Deck, porch, garage, or shed: $0.25 per sq ft - Septic system (full): $265.00 - Internal plumbing: $10.00 per fixture ($40.00 minimum) - Electrical -- new home: $58.00 - Electrical -- mobile home: $42.00
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 207 (phone)
Typical sequence: Footer placement; concrete removal; radon/vapor barrier installation; septic stages (bed scarification, tank placement, leech field completion); rough-in; insulation completion; garage fireproofing; chimney completion; final inspection before occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Norway permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Norway, ME? ▸
New construction, renovations, garages, sheds, electrical work, internal plumbing, septic systems, and any change to a structure affecting structural elements, room layout, occupancy, or regulated building elements.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Norway, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Norway, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based schedule: - Concrete foundation/slab: $0.25 per sq ft - Living space per floor: $0.25 per sq ft + $30 flat fee - Deck, porch, garage, or shed: $0.25 per sq ft - Septic system (full): $265.00 - Internal plumbing: $10.00 per fixture ($40.00 minimum) - Electrical -- new home: $58.00 - Electrical -- mobile home: $42.00.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Norway, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Norway, ME, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the code enforcement page or contacting the office at (207) 743-6651 ext. 3. 2. Obtain application via iWorQ portal (https://norwayme2.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/norwayme2) or pick up the "purple folder" at Town Hall; left side contains forms to complete, right side contains reference information. 3. Complete the permit application with project scope, location, estimated cost, site plan showing distances to property lines and road, and a cross-section drawing showing construction method. 4. Submit application with supporting documents online or in person. 5. Pay the applicable permit fee. 6. Permit issued; begin work. 7. Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction. 8. Receive final approval before occupancy. - Processing time estimate if available: Not published; contact department. - Source URL: https://norwaymaine.com/pages/code-enforcement
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Norway, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Norway, ME. The following work is generally exempt: Burn permits not required for cooking and warming fires in established fire rings 36 inches or less in diameter.; General MUBEC exemptions apply: minor repairs, painting, flooring, direct replacement of fixtures, accessory structures below applicable size thresholds, and agricultural buildings used exclusively for farming.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Norway, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Norway, ME via: 207.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Norway -- Code Enforcement Office ↗
entry id permits/maine/oxford/norway
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Norway -- Code Enforcement Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.