Ins and outs of building permits
IN THE CITY
By George Howe
Do I really need a permit? If you are planning to do any exterior or interior renovating, new construction or demolition around your home or property, it is very likely that you will need a building or demolition permit.
In addition, if you are a business moving into a new or relocated space you are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy permit. Not knowing what is required when contemplating a building project can be intimidating. Asking questions and getting the correct information before you begin can help ensure that your project goes smoothly.
What is a building/demolition permit? A building/demolition permit is a document that grants legal permission to allow you to begin your building or demolition project.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy permit? A Certificate of Occupancy permit is a document that grants legal permission to allow you to occupy a building for a certain use.
Why is a building permit required? A building permit is required to protect the health, safety and well-being of you and your community by ensuring that all construction aligns with minimum safety and development standards. The Code Enforcement Office will review your design and inspect the project during its many phases to ensure that it complies with the applicable zoning regulations and International Residential Building Code and International Building Code adopted by the City.
Why is a demolition permit required? A demolition permit is required to protect the health, safety and well-being of you and your community by ensuring thater all demolition aligns with minimum safety standards. The Code Enforcement Office will review your demolition project, inform you to have the project reviewed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to check for any asbestos in the demolition material, and if any is found, that will have to be abated.
Why a Certificate of Occupancy? A Certificate of Occupancy permit is issued by the Code Enforcement Officer and endorsed to the effect that the proposed use of the building and land conforms to all building, electrical, plumbing, safety codes and any other applicable Federal, State and local codes.
What if I fail to take out a building permit? Failure to apply for building permits could be costly for you as a homeowner or business owner. Work that has been done and paid for may not comply with code requirements and could result in costly repairs. Your insurance coverage may be denied for the non-permitted work. Removal of the work may be required to bring the work into code compliance. Double permit fees may be applied. In addition, legal action may be initiated to ensure compliance.
What construction projects require a building permit? A building permit is required when any owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure. A permit is also required if you are putting up signage of any kind.
What construction projects do not require a building permit? Fences not over 6 feet high. Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height unless they are supporting a surcharge (fill). Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, other similar finish work. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one or two-family dwelling. Replacement windows and doors as long as the opening is not altered (enlarged). Siding, stucco, or shingles.
Other particulars. As a homeowner or business owner, you are responsible for obtaining the necessary permit(s). If you choose to have your contractor take out a permit on your behalf, make sure that it is done before the project gets started. Materials and information can be obtained at the Code Enforcement Office located at the Fire Department, 43 North Street or on the City of Presque Isle Web Page: http://www.presqueislemaine.gov.
Fees. The cost of a building permit is a minimum of $35 up to $7,000 for residential construction and then $5 per thousand dollars of the construction/labor cost of the project. Commercial construction is a minimum of $35 up to $4,375 then $8 per thousand dollars of the construction/labor cost of the project. Do not include the cost of any electrical or plumbing work, which may be associated with the project. Electrical and plumbing permits are separate permits from the building permit and can be obtained at the Code Enforcement Office.
A residential demolition permit is $30 and a commercial demolition permit is $100. A sign permit is $2.50 per square foot of the size of the sign. A Certificate of Occupancy permit is $25.
To find out whether your project requires a permit or a professional, what inspections are required, and when to call for inspection of the work? For these answers and more contact the Code Enforcement Office at 760-2703 or 760-2770, by e-mail at panderson@presqueisleme.us or ghowe@presqueisleme.us, or stop by the Code Enforcement Office.
