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Permitting & Inspections Department
The Permitting and Inspections Department serves as a one-stop permitting, licensing, and inspections shop, which centralizes services and reduces wait times. The Council approved the creation of the new department at its March 7, 2016 meeting. The department oversees building permits, code enforcement, business licensing, housing safety and zoning.
The Department is also responsible for the enforcement of the City’s building, plumbing, electrical, housing, solid waste and land use codes. The 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.
**NEW** 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.
NOTE: Starting Monday, April 16, 2018, we will no longer accept permit applications via e-mail. Please submit applications through the new Citizen Self Service portal. Refer to the Applications page for instructions. Thank you for helping us provide more efficient service.
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
The Department is also responsible for the enforcement of the City’s building, plumbing, electrical, housing, solid waste and land use codes. The 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.
**NEW** 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.
- For a complete list of the current codes and standards: Building Construction Codes and Standards
- For more information on the State adoption: Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC)
- For public access to view the I-Codes: ICC Building Codes
NOTE: Starting Monday, April 16, 2018, we will no longer accept permit applications via e-mail. Please submit applications through the new Citizen Self Service portal. Refer to the Applications page for instructions. Thank you for helping us provide more efficient service.
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
Do you have a question about the Permitting Process?
- Permitting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What zone is my property in?
- Is my property in a Historic District?
- Zoning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Marijuana Businesses in Portland (FAQ) **NEW**
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.
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.
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.