How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Orono, ME?

1. Download the Building Permit application checklist and appropriate permit form from https://www.orono.org/167/Building. 2. Complete all required fields in the General Information section and the relevant permit type section. 3. Mail completed application to Town of Orono, Code Enforcement, 59 Main Street, Orono, ME 04473. 4. Office reviews application and assigns applicable fees; applicant is notified by email with payment instructions. 5. Pay fees through the online portal (https://apps1.web.maine.gov) or by contacting Jessica Chadbourne at 207-889-6906 for alternative payment options. 6. Permit is issued after payment is received. 7. Post permit on job site. 8. Request inspections at each required stage through the permit portal or by phone.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Orono, ME?

Typical processing time is Not formally published; contact office..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Orono, ME?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences under 6 feet in height; Re-shingling of roofs; Interior or exterior painting; Replacement of sheetrock; Cosmetic changes to structures including new siding (when no structural work involved). Note: Contact office for confirmation of specific projects.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Orono, ME?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-889-6909.

City Building Permits

Town of Orono, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Penobscot County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Orono in Penobscot County. Home of the University of Maine; active rental housing and construction market. CEO also handles safety inspections, licensing, and rental registrations.

Department: Town of Orono Code Enforcement Office
Address: 59 Main Street, Orono, ME 04473
Phone: 207-889-6909
Website: https://www.orono.org/161/Code-Enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open Maine ePayment Portal

Platform: Maine State ePayment / CitizenServe • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Building Portal

Application Process

Download the Building Permit application checklist and appropriate permit form from https://www.orono.org/167/Building.
Complete all required fields in the General Information section and the relevant permit type section.
Mail completed application to Town of Orono, Code Enforcement, 59 Main Street, Orono, ME 04473.
Office reviews application and assigns applicable fees; applicant is notified by email with payment instructions.
Pay fees through the online portal (https://apps1.web.maine.gov) or by contacting Jessica Chadbourne at 207-889-6906 for alternative payment options.
Permit is issued after payment is received.
Post permit on job site.
Request inspections at each required stage through the permit portal or by phone.

Typical processing time: Not formally published; contact office.

Source: Town of Orono Code Enforcement Office

General Requirements

All new construction including homes, garages, additions, decks, porches; certain structural repairs; structural alterations including adding or changing doors and windows; demolition work.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan
Construction plans

Permit validity: Not formally published; contact office.
Building code: MUBEC -- 2021 ICC codes with Maine amendments, effective April 7, 2025. Orono enforces MUBEC (population above 4,000).
Owner-builder: State rules apply.
Contractor requirements: Licensed trades required under Maine state law.

Fees

Payment note: Online payment via Maine ePayment portal; alternative payment options via Jessica Chadbourne at 207-889-6906.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Fences under 6 feet in height
Re-shingling of roofs
Interior or exterior painting
Replacement of sheetrock
Cosmetic changes to structures including new siding (when no structural work involved)

Important: Contact office for confirmation of specific projects.

Inspections

How to Schedule

207-889-6909 (phone)

Inspection hours: Standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation, final.

Additional Resources

Building code: MUBEC -- 2021 ICC codes with Maine amendments, effective April 7, 2025. Orono enforces MUBEC (population above 4,000).
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Code Ordinance
Previous Years Permits
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 Town of Orono Code Enforcement Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Orono Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Orono, ME?: All new construction including homes, garages, additions, decks, porches; certain structural repairs; structural alterations including adding or changing doors and windows; demolition work.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Orono, ME?: 1. Download the Building Permit application checklist and appropriate permit form from https://www.orono.org/167/Building. 2. Complete all required fields in the General Information section and the relevant permit type section. 3. Mail completed application to Town of Orono, Code Enforcement, 59 Main Street, Orono, ME 04473. 4. Office reviews application and assigns applicable fees; applicant is notified by email with payment instructions. 5. Pay fees through the online portal (https://apps1.web.maine.gov) or by contacting Jessica Chadbourne at 207-889-6906 for alternative payment options. 6. Permit is issued after payment is received. 7. Post permit on job site. 8. Request inspections at each required stage through the permit portal or by phone.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Orono, ME?: Typical processing time is Not formally published; contact office..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Orono, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Fences under 6 feet in height; Re-shingling of roofs; Interior or exterior painting; Replacement of sheetrock; Cosmetic changes to structures including new siding (when no structural work involved). Note: Contact office for confirmation of specific projects.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Orono, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-889-6909.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Orono 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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