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Planning, Permitting & Code FAQs

The following frequently asked questions are related to the Planning, Permitting & Code Office:

When do I need a building permit, what are the costs for permits and what building code is Auburn currently using?

A building permit is necessary whenever the scope of work involves construction, alteration, enlargement or demolition of a structure. As a general rule, whenever the proposed work affects: structural features (either adding or removing), alterations to the layout of rooms or spaces, change of building use, or alteration to building elements which are regulated by the Code, a permit is required. Renovations that are primarily cosmetic in nature such as painting, flooring, paneling/trim work, etc., do not require a permit. Items that can be considered a repair, such as reroofing, replacing loose siding, guardrails, balusters, etc., do not require a permit. Prefabricated pools less than 36" in depth, swings and other playground equipment accessory to 1 and 2 family dwellings, do not require a building permit. In all cases we highly recommend that individuals contact us when planning to undertake a project that we may provide a determination as to whether a building permit is necessary.

Building permit fees vary depending on the nature of the construction. If the project involves the creation of new building area, the fee is based on the total square footage of the newly created structure. If the project involves renovations within an existing building and does not involve creating additional area, the fee is based on the estimated cost of construction. In all cases we highly recommend that individuals contact us when planning to undertake a project for assistance in determining applicable fees. 

When do I need a plumbing permit, what are the costs for permits and what plumbing code is Auburn currently using?

The Plumbing Division enforces all state regulations for all internal and external plumbing permits, which includes septic system design, issued in the city. The division works closely with the Lake Auburn Watershed Commission regarding septic and sewer designs in the Lake Auburn Watershed. Currently, the City of Auburn is using is the Maine State Internal Plumbing Code, 2010 Edition. (The City is enforcing the Maine State Plumbing Code based on the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 Edition.)

The owner of a single family, owner occupied dwelling may perform plumbing installations within his single family dwelling after obtaining the necessary plumbing permits and inspections.

A plumbing permit is required for the following:

  • The installation or replacement of all water distributing and drainage pipes, hot water storage tanks and hot water heaters.
  • The installation of all new faucets, valves and plumbing fixtures

If you should have specific questions regarding these codes please contact Mark Stambach at mstambach@auburnmaine.gov. 

When do I need an electrical permit, what are the costs for permits and what electrical code is Auburn currently using?

All electrical installations are required to be installed by appropriate licensed electricians. Electrical permits and accompanying inspections are required for all installations including but not limited to; new construction, modifications or extensions of existing circuits and feeders. The owner of a single family, owner occupied dwelling may perform electrical installations within his single family dwelling after obtaining the necessary electrical permits and inspections.

Permits are required for all electrical installations.  "Electrical installations" means the installation, repair, alteration and maintenance of electrical conductors, fittings, devices and fixtures for heating, lighting, power purposes or heat activated fire alarms, intrusion alarms, energy management, telephone, telegraph, cable and closed circuit television, sound systems, conduit and raceway systems and electrically supervised manual fire alarms and sprinkler systems. "Electrical installations" includes complete installations related to photovoltaic, fuel cell and wind power generation systems.

Exemptions: Repairs to or direct replacement of existing equipment such as switches, receptacles or luminaries do not require permits. 

"Electrical installations" does not include the installation or repair of portable appliances and other portable electrical equipment, installation of which involves only the insertion of an attachment plug into a fixed receptacle outlet. It is the meaning and intent of this subsection that the word "portable" does not include or apply to any type of fixed electrically operated or driven equipment.  Currently, the City of Auburn is using the NEC 2011 Edition.

For more information, please contact Charlie DeAngelis, City Electrician at cdeangelis@auburnmaine.gov.



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