The rules of code enforcement
IN THE CITY
This article is about code enforcement in Presque Isle. What is code enforcement? Do I have to have a permit to build? How do I attain a permit? What permits do I need to have? These are just a few questions that you, the public, may have.
Codes are basically rules on how to do things correctly. They are in place to ensure the safety, health and well being of the public. The city of Presque Isle has adopted various codes that are required to be followed in our city. Some of these codes are the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), Maine Universal Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code, Life Safety 101 Code and the Property Maintenance Code just to name a few. The city also has various land-use ordinances as well.
Code enforcement is the process of making sure all the required codes, laws or ordinances are followed. The process can be summarized to be: permit applications, plan reviews, permits approved, inspections of the work being done, and final occupancy inspection approval.
The question is often asked, do I need a permit? The most general answer I can give you is yes. There are many times you may not need a permit to do work, but it is best to call our office first and ask the question.
The permit application is where it all starts. The code enforcement office is located at 43 North St. Suite A, the same location as the Fire Department. You can come in during business hours and start the application process for your future project.
Yes, there are associated fees with permits. The fees are dependent on your project. Along with the application for work, you will have to submit certain documents and plans covering your project. Commercial work needs one stamped certified engineered drawing and one digital version of the work being done. Residential and other work needs to submit plans as well, but they do not have to be stamped engineered plans.
The review process is the next step. Once you have submitted all required documents and paid your fees, the code enforcement needs to review all your documents and plans. The code officers check to make sure the work being proposed meets all current local and state rules and regulations. This process can take anywhere from one day up to 14 days. As with anything, some projects are more extensive and would require more time to review them.
Approval of the proposed project is the next step in the process. If everything is in order the code enforcement officer will approve the work and then the appropriate permit can be issued. Our office will contact the applicant of approval and to come pick up the permit. This is when you can start your project.
At this point most applicants might think this is the end of the process. But the inspection process is required for the proposed work. As part of the permit application all applicants read and initial next to the required inspections. You will be given a copy of the required inspections to remind the applicant or contractor to call for the proper inspections. The applicant is required to provide the code office with a 48-hour notification prior to any inspection. When the notification is made, the code officer will schedule a date and time to come and perform the inspection.
And the last step to the process is the final certificate of occupancy inspection. When all work is completed the applicant must have a certificate of occupancy. This means the building cannot be occupied or operated until you receive this approval. The applicant or contractor should contact our office for this inspection. Once the inspection is complete and the approval is given, our office will issue a formal Certificate of Occupancy.
At the code office we would like to remind everyone to come in and start this process early. With all the requirements that need to be met, most projects may not be given a permit to do the work the day you come into our office. We understand that you might have questions with this process.
Please feel free to contact our office anytime, we will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 207-760-2703 or by email at ghowe@presqueisleme.us or vbaldwin@presqueisleme.us.
Vince Baldwin is a captain with the Presque Isle Fire Department and deputy CEO with the code enforcement office.
