The City issues construction permits, land development permits, as well as permits for structures close to bodies of water. Learn how to apply for all types of permits issued by the City.
Documents & Forms
- Contractor Permits
- Fire Permits
- Historic Preservation Certificate
- Junkyard Permit
- Land Development Permits
- Shoreland Zoning Permits
- Signs/Streets/Roads Permits
Building
A Building Permit is required to erect, alter, repair, remove, or demolish any building. In addition to a building permit you may also be required to obtain separate permits for shoreland, internal plumbing, electrical, street/road opening, public sewer connection, or subsurface wastewater disposal. Depending on the size of your project, additional approvals may be required from the Planning Board, Department of Environment Protection and/or Army Corps of Engineers.
Required Inspections:
- The State of Maine requires that all building must be constructed to M.U.B.E.C. standards, 2014 National Electric Code, and the 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code the City of Ellsworth performs inspections according to each phase of completion.
- Final (Certificate of Occupancy)
Additional Inspections may be required for parking regulations, traffic count, Life Safety and or ADA regulations, asbestos and/or lead (demolition and or removal of an existing structure) remediation.
M.U.B.E.C.
Effective December 1, 2010, the State of Maine adopted this as a statewide building and energy code (M.U.B.E.C.). The City of Ellsworth began enforcement of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code on July 1, 2012. Outlined below are the specific codes regulating construction under M.U.B.E.C.
M.U.B.E.C. Directory of Codes (Either in their entirety or with portions excluded)
- International Building Code (IBC – 2009) ~Portions Excluded
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC – 2009) ~Portions Excluded
- International Residential Code (IRC – 2009) ~Portions Excluded
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC – 2009) ~In its Entirety
- ASHRAE 62.1 – 2007 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) ~In its Entirety
- ASHRAE 62.1 – 2007 (Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise · Residential Buildings) ~In its Entirety
- ASHRAE 90.1 – 2007 (Energy Standard for Buildings except Low-Rise Residential Buildings) ~Portions Excluded (Addenda only)
- ASTM E-1465-2006 * (Standard Practice for Radon Control Options for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings) ~In its Entirety
Detailed information regarding the portions excluded from Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be found online at The Department of Public Safety’s website (under Agency Information – “Bureaus” and click on Building Codes and Standards) or by contacting the Code Enforcement Office.
*ASTM E-1465-2006 Standard practice for Radon Control Option for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings is in effect throughout the State of Maine as of December 1, 2010, in units which have never been occupied and in new homes equipped with a radon reduction system. All building permits issued after this date for modular or stick-built homes, which are equipped with a radon reduction system, they must be constructed according to ASTM Standard E 1465-2006, or not installed. A contractor/homeowner must be certified in this radon practice. The certification process can be done online.
Business License
A license is required to operate a new or relocated business within the City of Ellsworth. Depending on the type of business or the location you choose, there may be additional permitting and or approval requirements to fulfill. As part of your business plan, please consider contacting us as early in the process as possible, to ascertain how we can assist you in moving forward. To learn more, please contact Loretta Roberts, Deputy Code Enforcement Officer at 207-667-4910 or at lroberts@ellsworthmaine.gov.
Electrical Permits
An Electrical Permit is required to install new equipment or to make additions or alterations to existing equipment. The City of Ellsworth has adopted the 2014 National Electric Code.
Required Inspections
- Temporary/Permanent Service
- Underground Service (before back filling)
- Rough-in (interior wiring run)
- Final (fixtures are installed-move in condition)
- Certificate of Occupancy
Plumbing
A Plumbing Permit is required to install or relocate all types of internal plumbing fixtures in either a new or existing structure. The City of Ellsworth requires the minimum standards set forth in the 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code.
Required Inspections
- Rough in (water and waste lines are installed – air pressure or water filled is required)
- Final (fixtures are installed-move in condition)
Public Sewer Connection
A Public Sewer Connection Permit is required to hook-up to the public sewer system or proposing a substantial change in the volume or character of effluents that are being discharged into the system. Required inspection procedures are included on the permit application. For more information, see the Ellsworth Sewer Ordinance.
Sub-surface Wastewater Disposal
A Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Permit is required to install a private wastewater disposal system, including but not limited to a new, replacement, expanded, experimental or seasonal conversion system. A permit is also required for individually installed components of such systems.
* Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Applications are usually provided to you by a site evaluator, please bring three (3) copies into our office to obtain your permit and one will be returned to you with a permit sticker applied to it. Click here for the State of Maine-Division of Environment Health.
Required Inspections
- Scarification
- Final (before back filling)
Documents & Forms
Burn Permits
Ellsworth Residents may get a permit to burn at the Ellsworth Fire Department any day from 9am – 5pm. The State of Maine Forest Service does not provide Fire Danger Class days until 9am. We will not issue permits until a Fire Class Day has been determined.
The public may obtain permits online at State of Maine Online Burn Permit System at no charge, or they may come to the station after 9 am to obtain a permit also at no charge.
Permits are only issued on Low or Moderate Fire Weather Days and are only issued for one day. The electronic system for online permits will not issue permits for Fire Class days High or greater.
Fire Weather information can be obtained at Maine Forest Service Wildfire Danger Report. The Fire Weather Report is updated every day at 9am. The City of Ellsworth is in Zone 11.
The permittee must be the property owner or have written permission from the property owner before obtaining the burning permit and should understand the restrictions stated on the burning permit.
The permittee must have the valid burning permit in their possession while tending the fire and assure that no nuisance smoke is created.
Safety Recommendations
When burning brush you should have at least 2 adults, hand tools such as shovel and rake, charged garden hose and/or buckets of water to control the fire. Brush piles should not exceed 10 cubic yards (Approximately 6 ft. x 6 ft. x 6) before starting the fire.
When burning grass you should have at least 2 adults, brooms or other appropriate tools to suffocate a fire, charged garden hose and/or buckets of water to control the fire.
When burning debris you should have at least 2 adults, hand tools such as shovel and rake, charged garden hose and/or buckets of water with to control the fire and the site should be inspected before the permit is issued.
Learn more from the State of Maine Statute on Out-of-Doors Burning.
Fire Alarm Permits
The contractor shall be the responsible party for completing Fire Alarm Permit Application.
Please complete as much of the Facility information as you can. All information involving Contractors shall be complete and accurate.
The application is available as an online form and a printable version. Permits and documentation submitted via mail, shall be mailed to: Ellsworth Fire Department, Inspections Office, 1 City Hall Plaza, Ellsworth Maine, 04605
Sprinkler Systems
The contractor shall be the responsible party for completing Sprinkler System Permit Application. Please complete as much of the Facility information as you can. All information involving Contractors shall be complete and accurate.
The application is available as an online form and a printable version. Permits and documentation submitted via mail, shall be mailed to: Ellsworth Fire Department, Inspections Office, 1 City Hall Plaza, Ellsworth Maine, 04605
Commercial Exhaust Hood Systems
The contractor shall be the responsible party for completing the Commercial Exhaust Hood Systems Permit Application. Please complete as much of the Facility information as you can. All information involving Contractors shall be complete and accurate.
The application is available as an online form and a printable version. Permits and documentation submitted via mail, shall be mailed to: Ellsworth Fire Department, Inspections Office, 1 City Hall Plaza, Ellsworth Maine, 04605
Documents & Forms
Historic Preservation Application for Appropriateness Certificates
In any historic district and with respect to any historic site or historic landmark, no building permit shall be issued by the Code Enforcement Officer for any construction, alteration, or demolition until a corresponding Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued by the Historic Preservation Commission. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be obtained when such activity is approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Required Inspections
- Proposed activity
- Final
Documents & Forms
Junkyard / Auto Graveyard Permits
An approval from the Planning Board and an annual license are required to construct, maintain or operate and open an area where waste, used or second-hand materials are bought, stored, baled, racked, disassembled, or handled, including but not limited to automobiles, scrap iron and other metals, paper, wood, and bottles, and defined as a place occupied by three (3) or more unregistered, unserviceable, discarded or junked vehicles, vehicle bodies, engines or parts thereof. Complete a Junkyard Permit application.
For additional information see: Unified Development Ordinance, Ellsworth Subdivision Ordinance, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP).
Required Inspection
- Annual Licensing
Flood Hazard Development Permits
Before any construction or other development, including the placement of manufactured homes, begins within any areas of special flood hazard Zones A and AE, a Flood Hazard Development Permit shall be in obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer. This permit shall be in addition to any other permits, which may be required pursuant to the codes and ordinances of the City of Ellsworth and the State of Maine.
Requirements
Construction or substantial improvement of any residential or non-residential structure located in Zones A and AE shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to at least one foot above Base Flood Elevation. Depending upon which Special Flood Hazard zone the property is located in, there are supplementary requirements, see .
Major Use Site Development Permits
The classification of a Major Use Site Development Permit is a level of review by the Planning Board in conformity with the criteria and performance standards in the Unified Development Ordinance for not-residential projects involving:
- New construction and/or expansion of gross no-residential floor area greater than 5,000sf in any five year period
- The creation of impervious area between greater than 40,000sf of gross non-residential area
- A change of use within an existing building or structure greater than 20,000sf
- A project requiring a Maine Department of Transportation (Traffic Movement Permit) or a modification or change to an existing Maine Department of Transportation Traffic Movement Permit
- Subdivision into residential units of a new or existing structure. Such subdivision shall be recorded in the Registry of Deeds per Article 2 Approval and Permitting Procedures section 207.10.B. Condominiums need also be reviewed under the Ellsworth Subdivision Ordinance
- Soil disturbance, extraction industries, commercial earth moving and mining activities greater than 40,000sf
- The consumption, generation, or handling or hazardous wastes as defined in Title 38 MSRA, Section 1303, radioactive wastes as defined in Title 38, MSRA, Section 1451
For additional information see: Chapter 56 Unified Development Ordinance, MDOT, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), State Fire Marshal, Army Corps of Engineers, Maine’s Stormwater Law. Depending upon the complexity of a project it may first need to be reviewed by the Ellsworth Planning Board, please contact the Code Enforcement Office for assistance with this determination.
Required Inspections
- Structure, Electrical, Plumbing, Public/Private Utility Connections, etc.
- Road Opening (Driveway)
- Parking regulations
- Life Safety and or ADA regulations
- Certificate of Occupancy
Minor Use Site Development Permits
The classification of a Minor Use Site Development Permit is a level of review by the Code Enforcement office in conformity with the criteria and performance standards in the Unified Development Ordinance for not-residential projects involving:
- New construction and/or expansion of gross no-residential floor area not to exceed 5,000sf in any five year period
- The creation of impervious area between 10,000sf and 40,000sf of gross non-residential area
- A change of use within an existing building or structure of less than 20,000sf
- A project not requiring a Maine Department of Transportation (Traffic Movement Permit) or a modification or change to an existing Maine Department of Transportation Traffic Movement Permit
- Soil disturbance, extraction industries, commercial earth moving and mining activities between 20,000sf and 40,000sf
- All projects located within the Commerce Park zoning district regardless of size
For additional information see: Chapter 56 Unified Development Ordinance, MDOT, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), State Fire Marshal, Army Corps of Engineers, Maine’s Stormwater Law. Depending upon the complexity of a project it may first need to be reviewed by the Ellsworth Planning Board, please feel free to contact the Code Enforcement Office for assistance with this determination.
Required Inspections
- Structure, Electrical, Plumbing, Public/Private Utility Connections, etc.
- Road Opening
- Parking regulations
- Life Safety and/or ADA regulations
Certificate of Occupancy
Mobile Home Park / Campground Permits
A Mobile Home / Campground Permit is required to construct, alter, maintain, operate or expand either a mobile home park or campground. As defined, a Mobile Home Park is the placement of three (3) or more mobile homes on a single parcel of land. Campground means land upon which three (3) or more recreational vehicles are temporarily parked.
For additional information see: Chapter 56 Unified Development Ordinance, Ellsworth Subdivision Ordinance, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), MRSA State Statute.
Required Inspections
- Inspections may be required for the structure, parking regulations, Life Safety and or ADA regulations.
- Certificate of Occupancy
Subdivision Permits (Minor or Major)
Planning Board approval is required to develop or divide one lot or structure into three (3) or more lots and/or units in any five year period. A division may be accomplished by sale, lease, development, buildings, or otherwise.
For additional information see: Chapter 56 Unified Development Ordinance, Ellsworth Subdivision Ordinance, MDOT, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), State Fire Marshal, Army Corps of Engineers, Maine’s Stormwater Law, Maine Erosion and Sedimentation Control Handbook (Planning Board may waive under certain conditions).
Required Inspections
- Inspections may be required for the structure, parking regulations, Life Safety and or ADA regulations.
- Certificate of Occupancy
Documents & Forms
Shoreland Zoning Permit
A Shoreland Zoning Permit is required to erect, alter or repair any structure or land within one hundred (100) feet of any pond, river, wetland, fresh or salt-water body or within seventy-five (75) feet of a stream. In addition to a shoreland permit, a land use permit, building permit, Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) and or Army Corps of Engineer approvals, may also be required. Click on the following links: Unified Development Ordinance, and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP).
For additional information see: Unified Development Ordinance, and Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP).
Required Inspections
- Proposed activity
- Erosion control measures
- Final
- Certificate of Occupancy
Documents & Forms
Sign Permits
A Sign Permit is required to erect, alter and or replace signs visible to the public from a public way, per Sign Standards, Chapter 56-Article 12. The Maine Department of Transportation issues Official Business Directional Sign Permit(s) upon the City of Ellsworth authorizing the location of the sign request, to see the minimal restrictions please review the Sign Standards Ordinance 56 - Article 12.
Questions? Contact the Code Enforcement Office: Phone | Email
Required Inspections
- Upon request
Street / Road Opening Permits
For the purpose of connecting to public or private utilities, creating or repairing a driveway, etc., a Street/Road/Sidewalk Opening Permit is required to open any city or state roadway, sidewalk, or ditch within the public right-of-way, in the City of Ellsworth. An approved permit along with the associated fee is necessary to obtain prior to the commencement of any work. If you need assistance in the determination of a “City,” or a “State” street/road, please contact the code enforcement office at 207-667-4910.
For State road permitting information please visit: Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT), or by calling 207-941-4500.
**IMPORTANT** The State of Maine has established rules regarding “mechanical” earth moving activities and all contractors, excavators, landscapers and/or property owners must contact DIG SAFE (1-888-DIGSAFE), prior to any excavation activity.
Street Name Application
A Street Name Application is required to obtain a street name. Submit the completed application to: City of Ellsworth Assessing Office, 1 City Hall Plaza, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Call 207-667-8674, fax to 207-669-6618, or email it to assessing@ellsworthmaine.gov.
Required Inspection
- Upon request
Street Number Application
A Street Number Application is required to obtain a street number. Submit the completed application to: City of Ellsworth Assessing Office, 1 City Hall Plaza, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Call 207-667-8674, fax to 207-669-6618, or email it to assessing@ellsworthmaine.gov
Required Inspections
- Upon request
