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

The minimum permit fee is Not confirmed in public sources; contact office for current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Established by Board of Selectmen; schedule available at Planning and Development Office and Town Clerk's Office. Plan check fee: No separate charge for first inspection needed for use permit or CO.

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

1. Contact Code Enforcement Office or review website for required application 2. Prepare required documents: application, site plan, building plans 3. Submit application in person or as directed by office 4. CEO reviews within applicable timeframe 5. Pay fee 6. Permit issued; post on job site before commencing work

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

Typical processing time is Up to 14+ business days (two full-time Code Officers reviewing plans).

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural or life safety systems; Agricultural structures (state exemption). Note: Wells has broader-than-typical permit requirements; confirm before assuming any work is exempt

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (207).

City Building Permits

Town of Wells, ME - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Maine York County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Full town jurisdiction including Wells Beach and Moody; MUBEC enforced; shoreland and floodplain regulations apply

Department: Code Enforcement Office / Planning and Development, Town of Wells
Address: 208 Sanford Road, Wells, ME 04090
Phone: (207) 646-5187
Email: Not separately published , contact via phone
Website: https://www.wellstown.org/816/Code-Enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open PDF/in-person; no iWorQ or CitizenServe portal identified

Platform: PDF/in-person; no iWorQ or CitizenServe portal identified • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Additional Resource

Application Process

Contact Code Enforcement Office or review website for required application
Prepare required documents: application, site plan, building plans
Submit application in person or as directed by office
CEO reviews within applicable timeframe
Pay fee
Permit issued; post on job site before commencing work

Typical processing time: Up to 14+ business days (two full-time Code Officers reviewing plans)

Source: Code Enforcement Office / Planning and Development, Town of Wells

General Requirements

Any erection, movement, or enlargement (area or volume) of a building or structure; replacement of windows and doors (including exact replacements); renovating kitchens; adding/removing/replacing insulation or sheetrock; new driveway openings; decks, stairs, sheds in recreational parks; add-a-rooms

Required Documents

Application
site plan
scaled building plans

Permit validity: Work must start within 24 months and substantially complete within 36 months; permit lapses otherwise
Building code: MUBEC (2015 IRC and 2015 IBC)
Owner-builder: Homeowners may apply for own permits; licensed trades required for plumbing and electrical
Contractor requirements: Maine-licensed plumbers and electricians required

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not confirmed in public sources; contact office for current fee schedule
Plan check fee: No separate charge for first inspection needed for use permit or CO
Permit fee formula: Established by Board of Selectmen; schedule available at Planning and Development Office and Town Clerk's Office
Reinspection fee: Double fee if work begins before permit is issued
Payment note: Pay in person at town offices

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural or life safety systems
Agricultural structures (state exemption)

Important: Wells has broader-than-typical permit requirements; confirm before assuming any work is exempt

Inspections

How to Schedule

(207) (phone)

Inspection hours: Calling earlier in the day gives better chance of next-day scheduling

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, final/CO

Additional Resources

Building code: MUBEC (2015 IRC and 2015 IBC)
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Office / Planning and Development, Town of Wells before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Wells Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Wells, ME?: Any erection, movement, or enlargement (area or volume) of a building or structure; replacement of windows and doors (including exact replacements); renovating kitchens; adding/removing/replacing insulation or sheetrock; new driveway openings; decks, stairs, sheds in recreational parks; add-a-rooms
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Wells, ME?: The minimum permit fee is Not confirmed in public sources; contact office for current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Established by Board of Selectmen; schedule available at Planning and Development Office and Town Clerk's Office. Plan check fee: No separate charge for first inspection needed for use permit or CO.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Wells, ME?: 1. Contact Code Enforcement Office or review website for required application 2. Prepare required documents: application, site plan, building plans 3. Submit application in person or as directed by office 4. CEO reviews within applicable timeframe 5. Pay fee 6. Permit issued; post on job site before commencing work
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Wells, ME?: Typical processing time is Up to 14+ business days (two full-time Code Officers reviewing plans).
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Wells, ME?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural or life safety systems; Agricultural structures (state exemption). Note: Wells has broader-than-typical permit requirements; confirm before assuming any work is exempt
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Wells, ME?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (207).

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Wells can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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