City Building Permits

Town of Machias, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Machias, county seat of Washington County for government services (county courthouse). Population approximately 2,100. Below 4,000 MUBEC threshold but has active code enforcement.

Department
Code Enforcement / Planning Board, Town of Machias
Address
7 Court Street, Suite 1, Machias, ME 04654
Phone
207-255-6621
Website
https://machiasme.org/departments-staff/code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: PDF / in-person; no online submission portal identified • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer or Town Office to determine which permits are required.
  2. Obtain application form from the Town Office or town website.
  3. Submit application with required documents to the Code Enforcement Officer.
  4. CEO reviews and coordinates with Planning Board as needed.
  5. Pay permit fee prior to issuance.
  6. Permit issued; post at job site.
  7. Schedule inspections as required.
  8. Final inspection and certificate of compliance for new construction.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact CEO.

Source: Code Enforcement / Planning Board, Town of Machias

General Requirements

All new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolition, change of use. Separate plumbing permit required. Electrical permit required via licensed electrician.

Permit validity
Not specified publicly; contact CEO.
Building code
MUBEC (2021 IBC/IRC/IECC, effective April 7, 2025). Also enforces local Building Permit Ordinance (enacted January 26, 1989) and Flood Hazard Building Permit Ordinance.
Owner-builder
Homeowner self-performed work generally permitted under Maine law for primary residence; confirm scope with CEO.
Contractor requirements
State of Maine electrician license required for electrical permits; licensed Maine plumber required for plumbing permits.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Not confirmed from public sources; contact town office
Permit fee formula
Not publicly posted; contact town
Payment note
Contact Town Office for current accepted payment methods.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change
  • Painting and cosmetic work

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 207-255-6621 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Call 207-255-6621 to schedule with CEO
Inspection hours
Contact town for CEO office hours

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, final

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Code Enforcement / Planning Board, Town of Machias before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Machias Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Machias, ME?
All new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolition, change of use. Separate plumbing permit required. Electrical permit required via licensed electrician.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Machias, ME?
The minimum permit fee is Not confirmed from public sources; contact town office. Fees are calculated as: Not publicly posted; contact town.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Machias, ME?
1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer or Town Office to determine which permits are required. 2. Obtain application form from the Town Office or town website. 3. Submit application with required documents to the Code Enforcement Officer. 4. CEO reviews and coordinates with Planning Board as needed. 5. Pay permit fee prior to issuance. 6. Permit issued; post at job site. 7. Schedule inspections as required. 8. Final inspection and certificate of compliance for new construction.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Machias, ME?
Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact CEO..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Machias, ME?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not involving structural change; Painting and cosmetic work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Machias, ME?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 207-255-6621. Call 207-255-6621 to schedule with CEO.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Machias 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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