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Portland, ME Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Last updated:
Jul 16, 2025
Every successful construction project in Portland, Maine, starts at the building department, not the jobsite. Whether you’re adding a rooftop deck or breaking ground on a new wing, you’ll need the city’s approval before a single nail is driven.
This guide cuts through the process with key requirements, fees, and timelines so you can secure that Portland permit without derailing your schedule.
Simplify permitting in Portland with PermitFlow. Learn more.
What requires a building permit in Portland, Maine?
According to the city’s Permitting & Inspections Department, you'll need a Portland building permit for construction or structural changes to buildings, including sheds, decks, swimming pools, etc. That includes:
- Heating/cooling (separate HVAC permit): Furnaces, heating appliances, replacements
- Accessory structures: Sheds, garages, gazebos
- Plumbing (separate plumbing permit): All plumbing work
- Electrical (separate electrical permit): All electrical work
- Structural changes: Additions, conversions, demolitions, enlargements
- Pools: Swimming pool installations
- Usage change: Change of use, home occupation
- Windows: All commercial/institutional buildings, residential buildings with four or more units
To get more information on your specific project, check out the Permitting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
When is a building permit not required?
There are some projects for which a Portland building permit is not required. They include:
- Flooring
- Interior or exterior paint
- Re-roofing
- Replacement of windows(the same exact size, for residential buildings with 4 or fewer units)
- Siding
Portland, Maine building permit costs
Portland building permit fees are based on the estimated total construction cost, with specific rates applied across different project types. Additional fees may apply for plan reviews, inspections, and trade permits.
General building permit fees
| Permit type |
Cost of work |
Fee |
| General building permit |
Up to $1,000 |
$25.00 |
| Each additional $1,000 of work |
$15.00 |
| Structure demolition |
Up to $1,000 |
$30.00 |
| Each additional $1,000 of work |
$10.00 |
Additional fees
| Fee type |
Amount |
| Certificate of Occupancy inspection |
$100.00 |
| Missed scheduled inspection |
$150.00 |
| Stop Work Order – <$10,000, no work |
$150.00 |
| Stop Work Order – <$10,000, with work |
$300.00 |
| Stop Work Order – >$10,000, no work |
$1,000.00 |
| Stop Work Order – >$10,000, with work |
$3,000.00 |
| Reinspections – First |
$150.00 |
| City secures (boards up) building |
$500.00 |
| Historic exterior review |
$65.00 |
| Historic sign review |
$75.00 |
| Home occupation permit |
$150.00 |
| Site inspection (new 1–2 family homes) |
$100.00 |
To get more information on permit fees for your project, refer to the Building Permits and Inspections Fee Schedule page.
Portland trade permits
If you're a home services contractor or trade specialist, the following permits are required in addition to the general building permit.
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits are needed for all work involving water, drain, waste, and vent systems. This includes water heater replacements, new fixture installations, and backflow preventers.
Plumbing permit fees
| Item |
Fee |
| Minimum fee (up to 4 fixtures) |
$40.00 |
| Each additional fixture |
$10.00 |
| Hook-up to public sewer |
$10.00 |
| Hook-up to existing subsurface system |
$10.00 |
| Piping relocation with no new fixtures |
$10.00 |
| Permit transfer |
$10.00 |
| Surcharge fee |
$10.00 |
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are required for panel changes, new circuits, EV charger installs, and most electrical upgrades.
Electrical permit fees
| Item |
Fee |
| Administrative / Minimum fee (incl. line items) |
$75.00 |
| Mass gatherings / special events |
$75.00 |
| Low-voltage system (burglar/fire alarms, data) |
$25.00/system |
| Generator (<50 kW) |
$40.00 |
| Generator (51–200 kW) |
$60.00 |
| Generator (>200 kW) |
$200.00 |
| Transformers (0–15 kVA) |
$25.00/each |
| Transformers (16–50 kVA) |
$40.00/each |
| Transformers (51–250 kVA) |
$60.00/each |
HVAC permits
HVAC installations such as furnaces, air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and ventilation systems require mechanical permits.
HVAC permit fees
| Permit type |
Cost of work |
Fee |
| HVAC permit |
Up to $1,000 |
$30.00 |
| Each additional $1,000 of work |
$10.00 |
For more information, refer to the Building Permits and Inspections Fee Schedule page.
Skip the permit stress.
PermitFlow handles every submission from application to approval. Learn more.
How to apply for a building permit in Portland, Maine
Step 1: Prepare your documentation
Before starting the Portland building permit application process, be sure to:
- Research your property and requirements via PortlandMaps: address, zoning, flood zones, existing permits, utility connections, etc
- Collect application materials, including:
- Completed application form (type, category, valuation, contact/contractor info) on the Citizens Self Service portal (CSS)
- Required plans: site plans, floor plans, elevations (to scale, legible, no color/photos)
Step 2: Submit the application
- Upload everything online: Through the CSS portal, choose the permit type, fill out application fields, and attach two PDFs (“Drawings” and “Documents”)
- Pay the intake fee: An initial invoice is generated after the intake review; pay it via CSS to activate the review process
Step 3: Plan review
At this stage, multiple reviewers (zoning, building code, safety, historic, public works) examine the plan; you’ll receive digital “checksheets” with required corrections.
Step 4: Pay final permit fees
After final approval, an invoice for permit issuance appears in the CSS portal. Payment triggers issuance. Once paid, you'll receive the permit, approved plans, and inspection card. Print and display on-site.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
Use CSS or the provided phone line to schedule required inspections (e.g. footing, framing, trades).
Portland permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Portland, ME with PermitFlow
Getting a permit approved in Portland means juggling coastal zone rules, historic district standards, and a crowded review queue. PermitFlow does the heavy lifting for you — crafting perfect applications, submitting them to the right desk, and tracking every review in real time.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles application prep, submissions, and tracking across the country, including Portland.
Contractors and developers choose PermitFlow because we provide:
- Maine expertise: Our specialists know Portland's unique requirements, from waterfront regulations to historic preservation standards
- Complete oversight: Manage all your permits in one integrated system
- Reliable results: Our proven process reduces errors and speeds up your permit approvals
Ready to simplify permitting? Contact PermitFlow today to see how we can keep your projects on schedule.
Every successful construction project in Portland, Maine, starts at the building department, not the jobsite. Whether you’re adding a rooftop deck or breaking ground on a new wing, you’ll need the city’s approval before a single nail is driven.
This guide cuts through the process with key requirements, fees, and timelines so you can secure that Portland permit without derailing your schedule.
Simplify permitting in Portland with PermitFlow. Learn more.
What requires a building permit in Portland, Maine?
According to the city’s Permitting & Inspections Department, you'll need a Portland building permit for construction or structural changes to buildings, including sheds, decks, swimming pools, etc. That includes:
- Heating/cooling (separate HVAC permit): Furnaces, heating appliances, replacements
- Accessory structures: Sheds, garages, gazebos
- Plumbing (separate plumbing permit): All plumbing work
- Electrical (separate electrical permit): All electrical work
- Structural changes: Additions, conversions, demolitions, enlargements
- Pools: Swimming pool installations
- Usage change: Change of use, home occupation
- Windows: All commercial/institutional buildings, residential buildings with four or more units
To get more information on your specific project, check out the Permitting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
When is a building permit not required?
There are some projects for which a Portland building permit is not required. They include:
- Flooring
- Interior or exterior paint
- Re-roofing
- Replacement of windows(the same exact size, for residential buildings with 4 or fewer units)
- Siding
Portland, Maine building permit costs
Portland building permit fees are based on the estimated total construction cost, with specific rates applied across different project types. Additional fees may apply for plan reviews, inspections, and trade permits.
General building permit fees
| Permit type |
Cost of work |
Fee |
| General building permit |
Up to $1,000 |
$25.00 |
| Each additional $1,000 of work |
$15.00 |
| Structure demolition |
Up to $1,000 |
$30.00 |
| Each additional $1,000 of work |
$10.00 |
Additional fees
| Fee type |
Amount |
| Certificate of Occupancy inspection |
$100.00 |
| Missed scheduled inspection |
$150.00 |
| Stop Work Order – <$10,000, no work |
$150.00 |
| Stop Work Order – <$10,000, with work |
$300.00 |
| Stop Work Order – >$10,000, no work |
$1,000.00 |
| Stop Work Order – >$10,000, with work |
$3,000.00 |
| Reinspections – First |
$150.00 |
| City secures (boards up) building |
$500.00 |
| Historic exterior review |
$65.00 |
| Historic sign review |
$75.00 |
| Home occupation permit |
$150.00 |
| Site inspection (new 1–2 family homes) |
$100.00 |
To get more information on permit fees for your project, refer to the Building Permits and Inspections Fee Schedule page.
Portland trade permits
If you're a home services contractor or trade specialist, the following permits are required in addition to the general building permit.
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits are needed for all work involving water, drain, waste, and vent systems. This includes water heater replacements, new fixture installations, and backflow preventers.
Plumbing permit fees
| Item |
Fee |
| Minimum fee (up to 4 fixtures) |
$40.00 |
| Each additional fixture |
$10.00 |
| Hook-up to public sewer |
$10.00 |
| Hook-up to existing subsurface system |
$10.00 |
| Piping relocation with no new fixtures |
$10.00 |
| Permit transfer |
$10.00 |
| Surcharge fee |
$10.00 |
Electrical permits
Electrical permits are required for panel changes, new circuits, EV charger installs, and most electrical upgrades.
Electrical permit fees
| Item |
Fee |
| Administrative / Minimum fee (incl. line items) |
$75.00 |
| Mass gatherings / special events |
$75.00 |
| Low-voltage system (burglar/fire alarms, data) |
$25.00/system |
| Generator (<50 kW) |
$40.00 |
| Generator (51–200 kW) |
$60.00 |
| Generator (>200 kW) |
$200.00 |
| Transformers (0–15 kVA) |
$25.00/each |
| Transformers (16–50 kVA) |
$40.00/each |
| Transformers (51–250 kVA) |
$60.00/each |
HVAC permits
HVAC installations such as furnaces, air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and ventilation systems require mechanical permits.
HVAC permit fees
| Permit type |
Cost of work |
Fee |
| HVAC permit |
Up to $1,000 |
$30.00 |
| Each additional $1,000 of work |
$10.00 |
For more information, refer to the Building Permits and Inspections Fee Schedule page.
Skip the permit stress.
PermitFlow handles every submission from application to approval. Learn more.
How to apply for a building permit in Portland, Maine
Step 1: Prepare your documentation
Before starting the Portland building permit application process, be sure to:
- Research your property and requirements via PortlandMaps: address, zoning, flood zones, existing permits, utility connections, etc
- Collect application materials, including:
- Completed application form (type, category, valuation, contact/contractor info) on the Citizens Self Service portal (CSS)
- Required plans: site plans, floor plans, elevations (to scale, legible, no color/photos)
Step 2: Submit the application
- Upload everything online: Through the CSS portal, choose the permit type, fill out application fields, and attach two PDFs (“Drawings” and “Documents”)
- Pay the intake fee: An initial invoice is generated after the intake review; pay it via CSS to activate the review process
Step 3: Plan review
At this stage, multiple reviewers (zoning, building code, safety, historic, public works) examine the plan; you’ll receive digital “checksheets” with required corrections.
Step 4: Pay final permit fees
After final approval, an invoice for permit issuance appears in the CSS portal. Payment triggers issuance. Once paid, you'll receive the permit, approved plans, and inspection card. Print and display on-site.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
Use CSS or the provided phone line to schedule required inspections (e.g. footing, framing, trades).
Portland permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Portland, ME with PermitFlow
Getting a permit approved in Portland means juggling coastal zone rules, historic district standards, and a crowded review queue. PermitFlow does the heavy lifting for you — crafting perfect applications, submitting them to the right desk, and tracking every review in real time.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles application prep, submissions, and tracking across the country, including Portland.
Contractors and developers choose PermitFlow because we provide:
- Maine expertise: Our specialists know Portland's unique requirements, from waterfront regulations to historic preservation standards
- Complete oversight: Manage all your permits in one integrated system
- Reliable results: Our proven process reduces errors and speeds up your permit approvals
Ready to simplify permitting? Contact PermitFlow today to see how we can keep your projects on schedule.
