Despite the various challenges presented this year, the city of Caribou saw many building, demolition and plumbing permits issued. Are you thinking about a project in 2021? The city would like to be your development partner by offering guidance from inception to completion.
Supporting existing and new business within our city is something that our economic development team has identified as a priority and they are ready to hear about your plans. Looking for leasable space? They can help!
If your plans include construction, please contact this department at 207-493-3324, no. 3. As a community with a population greater than 4,000 residents, Caribou must administer the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) in addition to the statewide plumbing code and the Caribou Land Use Ordinance. These regulations can affect your project, so please bring us your questions and because Planning Board approval may be required, it is best to start our conversation early in the process.
The general intent of the ICC codes which make up MUBEC “is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to promote safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations” (R101.3).
MUBEC dictates that an owner “who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure …” (R105.1) will obtain the required permit. However, there are some improvements which constitute work exempt from a permit. For example, an owner of a one or two-family home covered by the International Residential Code (IRC) may construct a “one-story detached accessory structure (translation: a shed) provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet” (R105.2(1)) without obtaining a permit. This structure must be built in a manner that does not violate the code or local ordinances. For example, the structure must be placed properly on the lot and not within the setbacks for the zoning district. Not sure about your setbacks? Department staff can help you so please contact us.
By obtaining a permit, value is added to the project by having a third-party — the building official appointed by the city — review the plans for compliance and perform the required inspections. Sometimes, costly mistakes can be avoided before construction is underway when they are easier to correct. Additionally, when you have made the decision to sell your real estate, having an appropriately permitted and inspected building can give a prospective buyer peace of mind.
Caribou’s code professionals work with residents with the goal of voluntary compliance with the state codes and local ordinances. Although the words “code enforcement” are used to describe the activity in the department, employees are here to administer the adopted ordinances and want to work together to find resolutions to your property concerns. Staff realizes that we must seek to understand your needs before we can expect you to understand how the adopted codes and ordinances apply to your endeavor. We aspire to have open communication with taxpayers and to convey our respect and appreciation for all citizens.
If you have any questions about any adopted code, permit applications and fees or tax assessment, please call me at 207-493-5961 or send me an e-mail: pthompson@cariboumaine.org. I am grateful every day to be in your service.
Penny Thompson is Caribou’s tax assessor and building official. She can be reached at 493-5961 or pthompson@cariboumaine.org.
