Local building department guide · Updated 2026-07-30
Auburn Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact
Use this guide to find the official City of Auburn Planning, Permitting and Code Department, start a permit application, search permit records, schedule an inspection, and locate the correct zoning or plan review contact.
Start here
Quick actions
Apply for a building permit
Review the typical application path and prepare your project details.
See permit stepsTrack or search permits
Find Auburn permit search resources and application status links.
Search permitsSchedule a building inspection
Learn what to have ready before requesting your next inspection.
Schedule inspectionOther portal login
Open the department's official online services and permit portal.
Open portalThe City of Auburn Planning, Permitting and Code Department is the local authority for building, housing, plumbing, electrical, land-use, and code services inside Auburn. Androscoggin County does not issue a general building permit for a property located within Auburn city limits.
Auburn building permits and SmartGov
Auburn directs applicants to its online SmartGov customer permit portal. The city says SmartGov can be used to apply for permits, pay fees, request a code-compliance inspection, report a violation, search parcel information, and submit a site plan for development review. Select the correct application and confirm whether planning, engineering, fire, floodplain, or other approvals are also required.
Inspections, zoning, code compliance, and occupancy
City building inspectors review plans and inspect work in progress for compliance with the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code. Auburn’s official planning page states that the city follows the 2021 versions of the applicable codes for applications under its current policy. Do not cover work before required inspections are complete.
The Planning, Permitting and Code Department also handles zoning and land-use coordination, while Auburn’s Fire Prevention Division handles life-safety inspections and certificates of occupancy for applicable buildings. Confirm final building, fire, site, and occupancy approvals before opening or occupying a new or altered structure.
Official contact information
Auburn’s permit services are connected with 60 Court Street, Auburn, Maine 04210 and (207) 333-6600. Use the city’s official SmartGov link from its permits page rather than relying on a third-party permit-search site.
Permit process
How to Apply for a Auburn Building Permit
Confirm the project scope
Identify the work, property address, project valuation, and whether plans are required.
Prepare your documents
Gather plans, owner and contractor details, site information, and any zoning approvals.
Submit and monitor
Submit through the department’s stated process, pay fees, and watch for review comments.
Field work & closeout
Building Inspections & Code Compliance in Auburn
Most permitted work must remain accessible for inspection at defined stages. Before scheduling, check your permit record for the required inspection sequence and make sure the site is safe and ready. Final inspections can be especially important for code compliance and a certificate of occupancy.
Helpful preparation
Keep the permit card or approval number available, confirm the property address, and ask the official office about lead times or reinspection fees.
Planning & review
Zoning and Plan Review Requirements
A building permit is not always the only approval your project needs. Zoning guidelines may affect use, setbacks, height, parking, signage, or lot coverage. Residential and commercial building permits can also follow different plan review tracks, so confirm the correct path before investing in a full plan set.
For a project in Auburn, start with the official department below and ask which zoning, planning, conservation, or fire review approvals apply to your address.
Keep this handy
Official Contact Information
| Department | City of Auburn Planning, Permitting and Code Department |
|---|---|
| Phone | (207) 333-6600 |
| Address | 60 Court Street, Auburn, ME 04210 |
| Official website | https://auburnmaine.gov/services/permits.php |
| Last verified | 2026-07-30 |
Official source pages used for this guide
These links were checked on 2026-07-30. Requirements, fees, office hours, and portal addresses can change; use the official source as the final authority.