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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Calais
Any new construction or activity that would expand, change, or replace an existing structure or use. Includes sheds, decks, additions, renovations affecting structure, and any change of use.
Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
Painting, decorating, and finish work
Replacement of existing fixtures in kind (non-structural)
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
- Exempt Painting, decorating, and finish work
- Exempt Replacement of existing fixtures in kind (non-structural)
- Building code
- MUBEC (2021 IBC/IRC/IECC, effective April 7, 2025). City also enforces local Land Use Code.
- Permit validity
- Not specified publicly; contact CEO for current terms.
- Owner-builder
- Maine allows homeowners to perform work on their own primary residence for most trades; confirm scope with CEO.
- Contractor requirements
- State of Maine electrician license required for electrical permits; licensed Maine plumber required for plumbing permits. No general contractor license required by state.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Same day to two business days for straightforward residential permits; up to 30 days for complex projects.
- 01 Determine if a permit is required (any new construction, addition, change, expansion, or replacement of an existing structure or use requires a permit under Calais Land Use Codes, Chapter 5, Section 2).
- 02 Download the fillable PDF application from https://calaismaine.org/permits-and-applications/ or obtain it in person at the Code Enforcement Office.
- 03 Complete the application and assemble required documents (site plan, construction drawings as needed).
- 04 Submit application with fee to the Code Enforcement Office.
- 05 The CEO reviews the application; simple residential permits can be processed same day or within one to two business days.
- 06 Up to 30 days allowed for complex reviews per city ordinance.
- 07 Permit issued; post card at job site.
- 08 Schedule required inspections during construction.
- 09 Obtain Occupancy Permit upon final inspection for new buildings.
Typical processing time: Same day to two business days for straightforward residential permits; up to 30 days for complex projects.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Calais building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00
02
Plan check fee
Not separately itemized; included in review process.
03
Permit fee formula
$50.00 minimum plus $30.00 per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area (or fraction thereof).
04
Reinspection fee
Not publicly detailed; contact department.
Contact CEO office for accepted payment methods.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 207-454-2521 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call 207-454-2521 ext. 1006 or contact CEO office
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Foundation/footing, framing, rough-in electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, final inspection / Occupancy Permit
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Calais permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Calais, ME? ▸
Any new construction or activity that would expand, change, or replace an existing structure or use. Includes sheds, decks, additions, renovations affecting structure, and any change of use.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Calais, ME? ▸
Building permit fees in Calais, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: $50.00 minimum plus $30.00 per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area (or fraction thereof).. Plan check fee: Not separately itemized; included in review process..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Calais, ME? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Calais, ME, follow these steps: 1. Determine if a permit is required (any new construction, addition, change, expansion, or replacement of an existing structure or use requires a permit under Calais Land Use Codes, Chapter 5, Section 2). 2. Download the fillable PDF application from https://calaismaine.org/permits-and-applications/ or obtain it in person at the Code Enforcement Office. 3. Complete the application and assemble required documents (site plan, construction drawings as needed). 4. Submit application with fee to the Code Enforcement Office. 5. The CEO reviews the application; simple residential permits can be processed same day or within one to two business days. 6. Up to 30 days allowed for complex reviews per city ordinance. 7. Permit issued; post card at job site. 8. Schedule required inspections during construction. 9. Obtain Occupancy Permit upon final inspection for new buildings.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Calais, ME? ▸
Building permit processing times in Calais, ME typically run Same day to two business days for straightforward residential permits; up to 30 days for complex projects.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Calais, ME? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Calais, ME. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change; Painting, decorating, and finish work; Replacement of existing fixtures in kind (non-structural). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Calais, ME? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Calais, ME via: 207-454-2521. Call 207-454-2521 ext. 1006 or contact CEO office.
last verified April 2026
source Code Enforcement Department, City of Calais ↗
entry id permits/maine/washington/calais
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement Department, City of Calais before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.