Permitting & Inspections Department

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Permitting and Inspections Department serves as a one-stop permitting, licensing, and inspections shop, which centralizes services and reduces wait times. The department oversees building permits, code enforcement, business licensing, housing safety, rental regulation, and zoning.

The Department is responsible for the enforcement of the City’s building, plumbing, electrical, housing, solid waste and land use codes.  A combination of education and enforcement is crucial to protect the health, safety and welfare of all Portland residents and visitors. Each year, the Department reviews thousands of building plans and conducts thousands of inspections to ensure quality construction, safe housing and the proper use of the land.
For Business Licensing applications please click here.  

For Building Permit applications please click here.  Building permit applications are submitted through the Citizens Self Service Portal (CSS).  For information and instructions on CSS, please click here.

For Housing Safety and Rental information please click here.

Looking for property records?  Click here for instructions on how to access the Department's online permitting and inspections records.


Daycare Grant Program - Are you creating a new home-based daycare business, or are you sustaining or expanding an existing daycare business?  The Department of Housing & Economic Development is offering grants to help.



Building Codes Adopted by the State of Maine, effective April 23, 2018 
The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) updates have officially been adopted with amendments as of January 23, 2018 and are required to be enforced beginning April 23, 2018. All building permits applied for on or after April 23, 2018 shall comply with the codes as adopted.
Third Party Plan Review Program

Informational Bulletins:
 Requirements for Stamped or Sealed Drawings
Guidelines for Certificate of Occupancy
Partial Certificate of Occupancy
Secondary Means of Escape and Rescue Openings
Shipping Containers - Residential Structures
Shipping Containers - Commercial Structures
Heating Standards
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fuel Gas Detection

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Do you have a question about the Permitting Process?



Zoning questions? Please start with the Zoning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, above. If you still have questions after reading the FAQ, then please email zoning@portlandmaine.gov with your specific questions. 
ADA-Sign
Notice
 If you are a disabled patron wishing to access the Inspections Division during regular business hours please use the intercom system on the 3rd floor before the stairs and staff will assist you. You may also call ahead at 874-8703 to request a meeting in a room that is handicapped accessible.