Frequently Asked Questions

Code Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a permit if I am doing renovations on my house?

A: You will need a permit if you are doing the following work:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Heating/Cooling Systems
  • HVAC Systems
  • Structural Renovations
  • Adding an accessory structure (ex. Shed, Garage, Swimming pool)
  • Changes to your building footprint
  • Or, when Fair Market Value of materials and labor exceeds $2000

Q: How much does a building permit cost?

A: Residential Permits (Single Family or Duplex) cost $12/$1000 value of work + $25 application fee*

     Commercial Permits cost $15/$1000 value of work + $100 application fee*

    *More fees may apply, please see Appendix A.

Q: Do I need a permit to place a premanufactured shed on my property?

A: Yes all structures, including sheds, need building permits.

Q: Do I need a permit to place a fence on my property?*

A: If your fence is less than 8ft you may not need a permit. There are restrictions for properties in the Kittery Foreside or a Shoreland overlay zone. You are responsible for knowing where your exact property line is, as fences may not be placed in Right of Ways or on another property. You should consult a professional land surveyor if you do not know your property boundaries.

If your fence is 8ft or more, you will need a permit. Also your fence will need to conform to zone setback requirements.

Q: Can I do my own electrical work or do I have to hire an electrician?

A: If you are the homeowner and the single family dwelling is your primary residence, you are permitted to do your own electrical work however a Maine Electrical Permit will be required. If you are hiring an electrician, you must have a Maine licensed Master Electrician do the work and pull their own town electrical permit.

Q: Can the Code office issue an electrical permit for my duplex? How about my business?

A: No, the Code office cannot issue electrical permits for uses other than single family dwellings. Have your Maine licensed electrician get a Maine Electrical Permit.

Q: Can I do my own plumbing or do I need to hire a plumber?

A:  If you are the homeowner and the single family dwelling is your primary residence, you are permitted to do your own plumbing work. If you are hiring a plumber, you must have a Maine licensed Master Plumber do the work.

Q: How much does a plumbing permit cost?

A: In general, there is a $10 per fixture fee (minimum of 4 fixtures) plus a $25 application fee, making the minimum permit fee be $65. There are exceptions to this so contact the Code office for verification of permit fee costs.

Q: Do I need a permit for a new business?

A: Yes, you need to submit a Business Use Change application through our online permitting. The application fee is $100.00 plus $15.00 per thousand of the fair market value for materials and labor.

Q: What if my business is out of my home?

A: You will need to apply for a Home Occupation and determine if your business will be a major or a minor home occupation.

Q: Do I need a business license in Kittery?

A: No, but if you are a DBA or a sole proprietorship, you will need to file your business name with the Town Clerk. If you are a LLC or Corporation, you need to file through the state . Please see the Town Clerk for other various licenses you may need to operate your business, i.e. to serve food and alcohol or to have entertainment.

Q: Do I need a permit for a sign?

A: You may. Kittery has an extensive sign ordinance. Please contact Code Enforcement or refer to the sign ordinance, Article X (16.8.10) in Title 16 see if you need a permit.

Q: What do I do if the type of sign I want to use isn’t in the ordinance?

A: Contact a Code Enforcement officer with your specific question. You can email someone here.

Q: Do I need a permit to add a driveway or pave a driveway?

A: Yes, you can apply for a Driveway Entrance Permit from the Public Works Department online. 

Q: Do I need a permit to excavate a public road for underground utilities (i.e. water, sewer, electric, communications, etc.)?

A: Yes, you can apply for a Road Excavation Permit from the Public Works Department online.

Q: How can I tell if my road is public or private?

A: You can find that information in the Assessor's Street Name Directory