South Portland building department

South Portland’s Code Enforcement Division, part of the Department of Planning and Development, works out of 829 Sawyer Street (the former Hamlin School building, previously addressed as 496 Ocean Street). The division does more than most building offices: it reviews building and energy-code permits, issues electrical permits, inspects building, plumbing and electrical work, writes zoning determinations, runs the Board of Appeals and variance process, administers street-opening permits with Public Works, and serves as the city’s Local Health Officer, which includes food-service inspections. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Friday.

Ways to apply

You have three options:

• CivicGov portal. First-time users must register an account before they can submit.
• Email. Send the fillable PDF application to [email protected] with the property address in the subject line.
• In person. Drop off a paper application at Sawyer Street during office hours.

A submission is not an approval. Staff first check the application for completeness and contact you if anything is missing. After the full review, and once you have paid, the permit is issued.

The city reports an average of about four weeks to get a permit, and that varies by season. You can pay by credit card over the phone at (207) 767-7603, or in person by check, cash or card. If you’re not sure a permit applies, email a description of the project and staff will tell you which application to file.

Building permit applications ask for the estimated cost of work (labor and materials), present and proposed uses, parking counts, and whether the site involves wetlands, shoreland or floodplain. Plumbing, electrical, heating, sprinklers, signs, driveway curb cuts and mechanical systems each need their own permit. The permit card must be posted before work starts. For any new home, you must call the Field Inspector at (207) 347-4126 before excavation begins so an erosion and sediment control inspection can be arranged.

Projects that often skip a building permit

On residential property, fences under 6 feet need no permit. Taller fences need a permit and must meet the parcel’s setbacks.

Fees

These fees come from the City Council’s Master Fee Schedule (most recent amendment listed: July 7, 2026).

Permit	Fee
Construction application fee (nonrefundable)	$100
Construction, cost of work	$15 per $1,000
Minimum for any permit	$50
Heating only, single-family (flat)	$30
HVAC system only	$15 per $1,000
Demolition, principal / accessory structure	$50 / $25
Swimming pool	$15 per $1,000
Change of occupancy (non-residential)	$50
Reinspection when work isn’t ready or isn’t CO-eligible	$50
Electrical application fee (except HVAC)	$50
Heat pump / mini-split electrical	$40 + $5 per indoor and outdoor unit
Plumbing surcharge (on top of state plumbing fees)	$10 per permit
Accessory dwelling unit application	$500

If you start work before getting a permit, the permit costs triple the normal fee, up to $1,000. Plumbing permits use State of Maine forms and state fees, plus the city surcharge.

Electrical work

Any new wiring needs an electrical permit. Only electricians holding a valid State of Maine electrician’s license can pull electrical permits or install new wiring in South Portland, so homeowners cannot pull their own. If you’re replacing or adding a service, include the CMP work order number on the application. You need a valid permit before an inspection can be booked.

Inspections and occupancy

To schedule an inspection, email [email protected] or call (207) 767-7603. The owner or contractor is responsible for booking each required inspection. Work must stay exposed until the inspector approves it. A new building can’t be occupied until the Building Inspector issues a Certificate of Occupancy.

Codes

South Portland enforces the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, which Maine requires in every municipality with more than 4,000 residents. MUBEC currently adopts the 2021 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IECC and IMC with state amendments, along with the 2019 ASHRAE 62.1, 62.2 and 90.1 standards.

Historic properties and other reviews

• Historic permit delay: properties designated historic, or with structures built in 1940 or earlier, can face a delay of up to 90 days before a demolition permit or an exterior building permit is issued. The Planning Director handles these cases.
• Planning and zoning: site plans, special exceptions, shoreland zoning and floodplain applications go through Planning and Development. The shoreland/floodplain application fee is $500.
• Street openings and curb cuts: these permits come from Code Enforcement working with Public Works.
• Short-term rentals: registration is separate from building permits. File complaints online or call (207) 835-3200.