How much does a building permit cost in Town of Topsham, ME?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; specific amounts not publicly itemized on main web pages..

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

1. Determine permit type (residential building, commercial building, deck, garage, shed, electrical, plumbing, fire, blasting, demolition, photovoltaic/solar, sign, shoreland zoning, conditional use, variance/appeal, etc.). 2. Download the applicable permit application form from the town website. 3. Submit via email to tlister@topshammaine.com, mail to 100 Main Street Topsham ME 04086, or in person at Town Hall. 4. Pay fees by mail to Town Hall (Codes Office), in person, or online at https://topsham.androgov.com/ 5. Code Enforcement Officer reviews and may request additional information. 6. Permit issued; post at job site. 7. Schedule required inspections. 8. Building permit expires if no substantial start within 6 months of issuance.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change; Painting, decorating, finish work; See MUBEC Section 105.2 (2021 IBC/IRC) for full exemptions. Note: Confirm with Code Enforcement Officer before starting any project, especially in shoreland zone.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 729-0908, tlister@topshammaine.com.

City Building Permits

Town of Topsham, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Sagadahoc County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Topsham, Sagadahoc County. Population approximately 9,565 (2020 Census). MUBEC mandatory (population over 4,000). Borders Brunswick (Cumberland County) and Bath.

Department: Code Enforcement (a Division of Planning)
Address: 100 Main Street, Topsham, ME 04086
Phone: (207) 729-0908
Email: tlister@topshammaine.com
Website: https://www.topshammaine.com/code-enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open Androgov Online Payment

Platform: Androgov • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine permit type (residential building, commercial building, deck, garage, shed, electrical, plumbing, fire, blasting, demolition, photovoltaic/solar, sign, shoreland zoning, conditional use, variance/appeal, etc.).
Download the applicable permit application form from the town website.
Submit via email to tlister@topshammaine.com, mail to 100 Main Street Topsham ME 04086, or in person at Town Hall.
Pay fees by mail to Town Hall (Codes Office), in person, or online at https://topsham.androgov.com/
Code Enforcement Officer reviews and may request additional information.
Permit issued; post at job site.
Schedule required inspections.
Building permit expires if no substantial start within 6 months of issuance.

Typical processing time: 7-10 business days typical for residential permits; longer for complex commercial projects.

Source: Code Enforcement (a Division of Planning)

General Requirements

New construction; additions; alterations; decks; garages; sheds; electrical work; interior and exterior plumbing; demolition; solar/PV systems; signs; shoreland zone activities; conditional uses.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan/plot plan
Construction drawings (to scale)
Energy compliance documentation (IECC 2021 required for permits after April 7, 2025)
Contractor license info
Impervious Area Worksheet (non-residential projects with new or expanded buildings, effective May 22, 2024; professional completion required in many cases)

Permit validity: No substantial start within 6 months = permit expires.
Building code: MUBEC mandatory. 2021 IBC/IRC/IECC/IMC/IEBC effective April 7, 2025.
Contractor requirements: Maine-licensed electricians; Maine-licensed plumbers. No general contractor license.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Valuation-based; specific amounts not publicly itemized on main web pages.
Payment note: Online payment at https://topsham.androgov.com/ (Miscellaneous Payments section), by mail to Town Hall, or in person. Contact 207-729-0908 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
Painting, decorating, finish work
See MUBEC Section 105.2 (2021 IBC/IRC) for full exemptions

Important: Confirm with Code Enforcement Officer before starting any project, especially in shoreland zone.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(207) 729-0908 (phone)
tlister@topshammaine.com (email)

Inspection hours: Monday through Wednesday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Thursday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, rough-in electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation/energy compliance, final inspection. Shoreland zoning inspections required; Code Enforcement Officer must verify setback compliance.

Additional Resources

Building code: MUBEC mandatory. 2021 IBC/IRC/IECC/IMC/IEBC effective April 7, 2025.
Verify contractor license: Maine State Contractor Licensing
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Code Information (deck standards, foundation, energy code, radon, PV, wood stove)
Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 225)
Maine Office of State Fire Marshal (MUBEC)
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 Code Enforcement (a Division of Planning) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Topsham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Topsham, ME?: New construction; additions; alterations; decks; garages; sheds; electrical work; interior and exterior plumbing; demolition; solar/PV systems; signs; shoreland zone activities; conditional uses.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Topsham, ME?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; specific amounts not publicly itemized on main web pages..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Topsham, ME?: 1. Determine permit type (residential building, commercial building, deck, garage, shed, electrical, plumbing, fire, blasting, demolition, photovoltaic/solar, sign, shoreland zoning, conditional use, variance/appeal, etc.). 2. Download the applicable permit application form from the town website. 3. Submit via email to tlister@topshammaine.com, mail to 100 Main Street Topsham ME 04086, or in person at Town Hall. 4. Pay fees by mail to Town Hall (Codes Office), in person, or online at https://topsham.androgov.com/ 5. Code Enforcement Officer reviews and may request additional information. 6. Permit issued; post at job site. 7. Schedule required inspections. 8. Building permit expires if no substantial start within 6 months of issuance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Topsham, ME?: Typical processing time is 7-10 business days typical for residential permits; longer for complex commercial projects..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Topsham, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change; Painting, decorating, finish work; See MUBEC Section 105.2 (2021 IBC/IRC) for full exemptions. Note: Confirm with Code Enforcement Officer before starting any project, especially in shoreland zone.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Topsham, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (207) 729-0908, tlister@topshammaine.com.

Need help with your project?

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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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