How much does a building permit cost in Brewer, ME?

The minimum permit fee is $20 non-refundable review fee plus permit fee. Fees are calculated as: Combination of flat and valuation-based fees depending on project type.. Plan check fee: Included within the review fee structure.

How do I apply for a building permit in Brewer, ME?

1. Determine which permits are required (building, electrical, plumbing/sewer, heating, sign, pool). 2. Download application forms from the city website or pick up in person at 80 North Main Street. 3. Complete the application and gather required documents and plans. 4. Submit online through the city's permitting portal or in person at the Code Enforcement Office. 5. A non-refundable $20 review fee applies to all permits in addition to the regular permit fee. 6. Staff reviews and processes the application; approval typically within a week to two weeks, up to 30 days in some cases. 7. Permit is issued; post permit on job site. 8. Schedule required inspections through the Code Enforcement office. 9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy if applicable.

What work is exempt from building permits in Brewer, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work not affecting structure, egress, or life safety; Ordinary maintenance and repair. Note: Contact the Code Enforcement Office at 207-989-7790 to confirm exemption status for a specific project.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Brewer, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-989-7790.

City Building Permits

Brewer, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Brewer, Maine. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Maine Penobscot County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Brewer; full-time code enforcement staff. Administered under Brewer City Ordinance Chapter 16 (Building Code) and Chapter 24 (Land Use Code).

Department: City of Brewer Code Enforcement
Address: 80 North Main Street, Brewer, ME 04412
Phone: 207-989-7790
Website: https://brewermaine.gov/code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Open Code Enforcement Permits

Platform: City Website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Apply for a Permit

Application Process

Determine which permits are required (building, electrical, plumbing/sewer, heating, sign, pool).
Download application forms from the city website or pick up in person at 80 North Main Street.
Complete the application and gather required documents and plans.
Submit online through the city's permitting portal or in person at the Code Enforcement Office.
A non-refundable $20 review fee applies to all permits in addition to the regular permit fee.
Staff reviews and processes the application; approval typically within a week to two weeks, up to 30 days in some cases.
Permit is issued; post permit on job site.
Schedule required inspections through the Code Enforcement office.
Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy if applicable.

Typical processing time: Typically one to two weeks; may be up to 30 days. Apply approximately one month before planned start date.

Source: City of Brewer Code Enforcement

General Requirements

New structures, expansions, structural repairs or alterations, removing or adding walls, changing window or door sizes, fence installation, decks, demolition, moving a building, pools.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan
Construction plans for structural work
Energy details for new construction

Permit validity: Not published; Maine practice generally 1-2 years with active construction.
Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) -- 2021 ICC codes with Maine amendments, effective April 7, 2025. Chapter 16 Building Code adopted locally.
Owner-builder: Not specifically published; state rules for owner-occupied residential apply.
Contractor requirements: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC contractors must hold applicable Maine state licenses.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $20 non-refundable review fee plus permit fee
Plan check fee: Included within the review fee structure
Permit fee formula: Combination of flat and valuation-based fees depending on project type.
Penalty (no permit): Base fees are doubled if permits are pulled after work has started.
Payment note: Payment at Code Enforcement office or through online portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Minor cosmetic work not affecting structure, egress, or life safety
Ordinary maintenance and repair

Important: Contact the Code Enforcement Office at 207-989-7790 to confirm exemption status for a specific project.

Inspections

How to Schedule

207-989-7790 (phone)

Inspection hours: Standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough electrical, mechanical, final.

Additional Resources

Building code: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) -- 2021 ICC codes with Maine amendments, effective April 7, 2025. Chapter 16 Building Code adopted locally.
Zoning information: View zoning info
State and Federal Permitting
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 City of Brewer Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brewer Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Brewer, ME?: New structures, expansions, structural repairs or alterations, removing or adding walls, changing window or door sizes, fence installation, decks, demolition, moving a building, pools.
How much does a building permit cost in Brewer, ME?: The minimum permit fee is $20 non-refundable review fee plus permit fee. Fees are calculated as: Combination of flat and valuation-based fees depending on project type.. Plan check fee: Included within the review fee structure.
How do I apply for a building permit in Brewer, ME?: 1. Determine which permits are required (building, electrical, plumbing/sewer, heating, sign, pool). 2. Download application forms from the city website or pick up in person at 80 North Main Street. 3. Complete the application and gather required documents and plans. 4. Submit online through the city's permitting portal or in person at the Code Enforcement Office. 5. A non-refundable $20 review fee applies to all permits in addition to the regular permit fee. 6. Staff reviews and processes the application; approval typically within a week to two weeks, up to 30 days in some cases. 7. Permit is issued; post permit on job site. 8. Schedule required inspections through the Code Enforcement office. 9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy if applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Brewer, ME?: Typical processing time is Typically one to two weeks; may be up to 30 days. Apply approximately one month before planned start date..
What work is exempt from building permits in Brewer, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic work not affecting structure, egress, or life safety; Ordinary maintenance and repair. Note: Contact the Code Enforcement Office at 207-989-7790 to confirm exemption status for a specific project.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Brewer, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-989-7790.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Brewer 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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