- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Permitting & Inspections
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.
- 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
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
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)
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.
Contact Us
-
Jessica Hanscombe
Department Director
Permitting & Inspections Dept
permitting@portlandmaine.gov
389 Congress Street
Room 315
Portland, ME 04101
Ph: 207-874-8703
Office Hours (NEW)
Monday-Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday-Friday
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Staff Directory
-
City Launches New Microenterprise Grant Program
The City of Portland is excited to announce the launch of a new Microenterprise grant program aimed at supporting businesses, existing and new, that have been or continue to be impacted by the pandemic. Read on... -
City Launches Sustainability Initiative Electrify Everything
In an effort to reduce Portland’s collective carbon footprint and minimize energy costs for residents, the City of Portland is pleased to announce the launch of Electrify Everything! Read on... -
Cumberland County HOME Consortium Launches Fair Housing Study
The Cumberland County HOME Consortium (CCHC) is launching an analysis of fair housing issues in the greater Portland region. This analysis will help identify current impediments to fair housing choice in the private and public housing sectors. Read on...
/CivicAlerts.aspx