Wells, ME — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Code Enforcement Office / Planning and Development, Town of Wells

Street address

208 Sanford Road, Wells, ME 04090

Phone

(207) 646-5187

Not separately published

Coverage

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

Online portal

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

Additional resources

Additional Resource ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Wells

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

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary maintenance and repair not affecting structural or life safety systems

Exempt

Agricultural structures (state exemption)

Exempt

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

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

Required documents

Application
site plan
scaled building plans

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

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Contact Code Enforcement Office or review website for required application
02

Prepare required documents: application, site plan, building plans
03

Submit application in person or as directed by office
04

CEO reviews within applicable timeframe
05

Pay fee
06

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Wells building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

Pay in person at town offices

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(207) (phone)

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

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Wells permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Wells, ME? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Wells, ME? ▸

Building permit fees in Wells, ME are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Wells, ME? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Wells, ME, follow these steps: 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

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Wells, ME? ▸

Building permit processing times in Wells, ME typically run Up to 14+ business days (two full-time Code Officers reviewing plans). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Wells, ME? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Wells, ME? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Wells, ME via: (207).

last verified April 2026 source Code Enforcement Office / Planning and Development, Town of Wells ↗ entry id permits/maine/york/wells

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement Office / Planning and Development, Town of Wells before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Wells

Other jurisdictions in York County.