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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Brewer
New structures, expansions, structural repairs or alterations, removing or adding walls, changing window or door sizes, fence installation, decks, demolition, moving a building, pools.
Minor cosmetic work not affecting structure, egress, or life safety
Ordinary maintenance and repair
- Exempt Minor cosmetic work not affecting structure, egress, or life safety
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair
Note: Contact the Code Enforcement Office at 207-989-7790 to confirm exemption status for a specific project.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Site plan
- Construction plans for structural work
- Energy details for new 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.
- Permit validity
- Not published; Maine practice generally 1-2 years with active construction.
- Owner-builder
- Not specifically published; state rules for owner-occupied residential apply.
- Contractor requirements
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC contractors must hold applicable Maine state licenses.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Typically one to two weeks; may be up to 30 days. Apply approximately one month before planned start date.
- 01 Determine which permits are required (building, electrical, plumbing/sewer, heating, sign, pool).
- 02 Download application forms from the city website or pick up in person at 80 North Main Street.
- 03 Complete the application and gather required documents and plans.
- 04 Submit online through the city's permitting portal or in person at the Code Enforcement Office.
- 05 A non-refundable $20 review fee applies to all permits in addition to the regular permit fee.
- 06 Staff reviews and processes the application; approval typically within a week to two weeks, up to 30 days in some cases.
- 07 Permit is issued; post permit on job site.
- 08 Schedule required inspections through the Code Enforcement office.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Brewer building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$20 non-refundable review fee plus permit fee
02
Plan check fee
Included within the review fee structure
03
Permit fee formula
Combination of flat and valuation-based fees depending on project type.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Base fees are doubled if permits are pulled after work has started.
Payment at Code Enforcement office or through online portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 207-989-7790 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Standard business hours
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough electrical, mechanical, final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Brewer permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Brewer, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Brewer, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Brewer, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Brewer, ME, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Brewer, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in Brewer, ME typically run Typically one to two weeks; may be up to 30 days. Apply approximately one month before planned start date.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Brewer, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Brewer, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Brewer, ME via: 207-989-7790.
last verified April 2026
source City of Brewer Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/maine/penobscot/brewer
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Brewer Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.