Code Enforcement
NOTICE
The State of Maine has amended the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code adoption. On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety signed the amendments into rule. Municipalities must enforce the newly adopted 2021 I-codes and corresponding standards as of April 7, 2025.
As of the November 5, 2024 ballot, the Town of Rockport is enforcing the
2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Codes enforced by the Town of Rockport:
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- Office of State Fire Marshal Building Codes Division
A Building Permit is Required for the Following Activities:
- A permit is needed for all structures
- Additions to a structure
- Deck / Porch - Replacing deck boards does not require a permit however replacing any structural boards will.
- Demolition, all Hazardous Materials need to be disposed of prior to demolition)
- Driveway Entrance (street location will determine if the permit is issued by Maine DOT or the Town of Rockport, contact the Code Enforcement Officer if you need assistance)
- Floats / Docks (also requires Shoreland Zoning permit)
- Parking lots
- Renovations (Everything except - Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.)
- Signs (temporary and permanent, see Land Use Ordinance for a list of exceptions)
- Solar Install (roof or ground mount)
- Swimming pools over 24" deep
- Towers and tower fixtures
- Change of use / Home occupation (May require an inspection)
Activities That do not Need a Permit
- Fences not over 6 feet high. Road setbacks may apply.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
- Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
- Swings and other playground equipment.
- Re-siding
- Re-Shingling a roofing (changes or replacement of structural members requires a permit)
- Replacing windows (same size, no structural changes)
Information Needed on a Building Permit Application
- A plot plan, or sketch of the lot, showing distance to property lines, other structures, water source, and sewerage disposal system will be necessary
- Residential structures require plan drawings for footing & foundation, floor plans with dimensions, Insulation plan, and mechanical plan.
- There may be other permits or approvals needed by the town, or from State Agencies (i.e. Department of Environmental Protection, Septic design, Planning Board, Public Works, or State Fire Marshal) prior to, during, or after issuance of a building permit by the code office
Required Inspections
Accessory Buildings (unattached garage, Shed, Storage buildings ext.)
- Finish inspection
- Footing, Foundation and Slab - Before concrete is poured.
- Framing - before Insulation
- Insulation
- Mechanical
- Certificate of Occupancy - must be completed before it can be occupied
- If a DOT entrance permit is issued it must be file with the Town of Rockport.
- If on Town road an inspection is required to comply with site distances and drainage requirements.
- Drain Installation and finish installation
- Slab or footings and foundation - before pouring concrete
- Tie down
- Certificate of Occupancy
- under Slab/foundation drain installation and PSI test(if applicable)
- Rough in - Drain and water PSI test
- Finish
- Septic bed prep and elevation
- Septic Tank base prep & elevation
- Bed Installation - Piping, D-box & Filter fabric
- Tank access cover to grade
- Finish grading loam & seed
- Finish structural installation
- Pre and post work inspection and photos (photo documentation is a State requirement)
- Finished Installation
- If installed in-ground a fence must be installed per State Statute
Installing Fences
- A permit is not needed to install a fence. However, there are setback requirements from the road centerline. These requirements vary depending on the street and location. The road right of way is larger than the paved road surface, so please do not assume that you own to the pavement.
- We do suggest that you know where your property lines are so that you do not build a fence, either on your abutters property, or within the road right of way.
Please use the Permit Application portal for:
- New Construction, Accessory Structures (sheds, temporary storage units, garages, etc.), Renovations, Commercial Construction, Demolition, Filling/Excavation, Home Occupations, Use, Signs, Timber Harvesting, Vegetative Clearing, etc.
- If you are submitting a plumbing application, please fill in the applicable form and email to alowe@rockportmaine.gov
- Plumbing Application Form
- Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Application Form
- Replacement Septic Tank Only Application Form
- Street Opening and Sewer Connection Form
- Questions about submitting a plumbing permit?
- Contact our office and ask to speak with Andrew.
Storm Damage
If your property sustained damages from a recent storm, please be sure to thoroughly photograph the damage. Depending on your property's location, State and Federal Agencies as well as the Town may require permits for repair and replacement, in which case before and after photographs will be necessary.
If damage has occurred, please reach out to the Planning and Development Department to get started on the permit application process