Unincorporated Piscataquis County

All new residential structures (houses, camps) and commercial or industrial structures; expansions of existing residential structures; subdivisions; zoning changes; site law certifications; shoreland zone alterations. Except for qualifying accessory structures (post-Jan. 29, 2025 rule change).

• Exempt Qualifying new detached accessory structures that meet LUPC land use standards and setback requirements (self-verification required as of January 29, 2025, in lieu of permit).
• Exempt Temporary activities, including agricultural and forestry management activities that qualify under LUPC exemptions.
• Exempt Certain activities that are below LUPC dimensional thresholds.

Note: Even if a building permit is not required, shoreland zone standards, plumbing permits, and electrical permits may still apply. Contact regional office to confirm exemption status for specific projects.

Building code

MUBEC does not apply to LUPC-regulated areas (unorganized territories are not municipalities). LUPC has its own land use district standards under Chapter 10 of LUPC Rules. Building construction must comply with LUPC land use standards; structures must meet applicable setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and shoreland zone standards.

Permit validity

LUPC permits contain specific expiration provisions; typically construction must commence within a specified period.

Owner-builder

Permitted; state-licensed trade professionals required for electrical and plumbing work.

Contractor requirements

No state GC license required. Maine-licensed electricians and plumbers required.

Source: Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) ↗

1. 01
   Determine whether the project is in LUPC jurisdiction (verify land is in an unorganized territory; check LUPC maps at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/).
2. 02
   Contact the LUPC Regional Representative for the area to discuss the project and confirm the applicable land use district and permit requirements before submitting.
3. 03
   Download the Building Permit Application (ver. 03/2025) from https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lupc/application_forms/applications/BP_App_2025.pdf
4. 04
   Complete the application with full project description, plot/site plan, building plans, and all required attachments.
5. 05
   For accessory structures (as of January 29, 2025): a building permit is NOT required if the structure meets LUPC standards; instead, property owners must submit an Accessory Structure Self-Verification Form and notify the Commission. No cost for filing the notice.
6. 06
   For new primary structures (house, camp) or expansions: a building permit is required.
7. 07
   Submit application and fee to LUPC via email (ApplicationSubmissions.LUPC@maine.gov) or mail to 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
8. 08
   LUPC staff reviews application; may request additional information or schedule a site inspection.
9. 09
   Permit issued with conditions; property owner must comply with all permit conditions and applicable LUPC land use district standards.
10. 10
    For plumbing permits in LUPC jurisdiction: a LUPC building permit must generally be in hand before a plumbing permit can be issued.
11. 11
    Contact the Local Plumbing Inspector for the area; contact LUPC regional office for referral.

Typical processing time: Varies; straightforward residential permits may take several weeks.

Source: Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) ↗

Contact LUPC Regional Representative (Moosehead office: (207) 349-0941; Northern office: (207) 731-4552) for current fee amounts. Fee submitted with application; contact LUPC for accepted payment methods.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

Typical sequence: LUPC does not typically conduct the same staged inspection process as municipal code enforcement. Inspections are conducted by LUPC staff as part of permit compliance review. Property owners must comply with all conditions stated in the LUPC permit; LUPC staff may conduct site visits to verify compliance.