General Office Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which codes are used in the Town of Cape
Elizabeth?
What type of permits are required and issued by the Code
Office?
When is a building permit required?
When should I call for an inspection?
How much lead-time is needed for an inspection?
When is a certificate of occupancy required?
Which codes are used in the Town of Cape Elizabeth?
ICC International Residential Code (2003) (as of Aug. 3,
2007)
ICC International Building Code (2003) (as of Aug. 3,
2007)
ICC International Fire Code (2003) (as of Aug. 3, 2007)
The National Electrical Code-NFPA 70-Latest Edition
The Maine State Plumbing Code 10-144 CMR 238
The Maine Subsurface Waste Water Disposal Rules 144A CMR 241
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What type of permits are required and issued by the Code
Office?
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Building Permit -- a permit to construct, alter,
enlarge, or relocate buildings and/or structures.
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Electrical Service Permit -- a permit
to install electrical services.
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Electrical Wiring Permit -- a permit to
install electrical wiring.
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Plumbing Permit -- a permit to install plumbing
fixtures and the associated distribution and waste lines.
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Waste Water Disposal Permit -- a permit to install septic systems
or components thereof.
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Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Permit
-- a permit to install those systems.
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Flood Hazard Permit -- a permit to construct, relocate, replace,
enlarge, or modify any structure located in a special flood hazard area.
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Demolition Permit -- a permit for the demolition
of a building or structure or major portion thereof.
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Health Permit -- a permit issued to a food or food service establishment
to assure sanitary conditions.
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Sign Permit -- a permit for the placement of the following
signs, including: Temporary residential development or construction signs;
permanent signs at the entrance to residential subdivisions, housing for
the elderly, condominium or multiplex development; home occupation signs;
civic organization signs; municipal signs; commercial business signs.
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Use Permit for the following:
There may be other permits and/or approvals necessary from other departments
within the Town; i.e. Planning Board,
Public Works, Zoning Board
of Appeals, Town Clerk's Office, prior
to, during, or after issuance of a permit by this office.
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When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required for the construction, structural alteration,
enlargement, or relocation of a building or structure. Permits are not
required for ordinary repairs as long as such repairs do not include
the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or
cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change
of any required means of egress , or rearrangement of parts of a
structure affecting the exit requirements, nor is a permit required
for the replacement of siding and/or roofing.
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When should I call for an inspection?
Inspections are required for virtually every phase of construction, including
but not limited to the following:
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Foundation -- footings, waterproofing, drainage, walls.
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Rough-in -- framing, plumbing, electrical wiring.
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Insulation.
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Electrical Service, both temporary and permanent.
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Septic system -- tank, pump station, septic field and other components
before backfilled.
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Final inspection of septic system site to assure the stability of the soil
i.e. grasses growing.
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Final inspection for certificate of occupancy.
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Any conditions imposed by either or both the
Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
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How much lead-time is needed for an inspection?
Generally, an inspection can be scheduled if given a 24-hour notice, and
sometimes even on the same day, but to assure an inspection when needed,
a longer lead-time is recommended.
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When is a certificate of occupancy required?
A. For occupancy of a building, structure, or portion thereof for which a
building permit was issued.
B. When there is an increase in the number of dwelling units in a structure.
C. When a home occupation, home business, home day care, or accessory dwelling
unit is established.
D. When there is a change in the use of a nonconforming use.
E. Occupancy and use of vacant land or change in use of land, except in the
raising of crops.
F. Any change in the use of a building from one category of use to a more
intensive category of use. (Chapter 19 Article VI, Section 19-6-4,E of the
Zoning Ordinance).
G. Any activity for which site plan approval is required by the Planning
Board.
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Fee Schedule effective May 14, 2007
Building Permit
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Minimum fee up to $2,500 value -- $25
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Projects above $2,500 value -- 1 percent of the total estimated value
of the building.
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Late fee -- Double the full fee.
Change of Use -- Dwellings, Business or Premise - $50.00
Moving of dwellings --$500.00
Demolition of dwellings- $50.00
Sign Permit- $25.00
Flood Hazard Development Permit -- $100.00
Elevators and Towers -- $25.00 (Per additional $1,000 value,
$7.00)
Pumps, Tanks for flammable storage -- $50.00
Temporary Stands, Booths -- for sale of merchandise or other business
-- $25.00
Ventilation, Sprinklers, or Automatic Fire Detection -- $25.00
Subsurface Waste Water Disposal System
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Engineered system -- $200.00; with variance -- $220.00
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Non-engineered system - $100.00; with variance -- $120.00
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Primitive Disposal system -- $100.00
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Separate Laundry Disposal system -- $35.00
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Seasonal Conversion permit -- $50.00
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Alternative Toilet -- $50.00
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Disposal Field only -- engineered, $150.00; with variance, $170.00
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Disposal Field only -- non-engineered, $75.00; with variance, $95.00
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Treatment Tank only -- engineered, $80.00
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Treatment Tank -- non-engineered, $50.00
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Holding Tank -- $100.00
Electrical Wiring Permit
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Light, receptacles & switch outlets - 1-24, $25.00; 25-50, $50.00; Over
50, $75.00
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Service -- new, addition, alteration -- 100, 200, 3-phase $25.00. Add. meter,
subpanel,-- $25.00 Over 400 Amps (each 200 amp or Fraction)-- $5.00
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Range, Heater, Hot water heater, Washing machine, Dishwasher, Dryer, Disposal
-- $5.00 each.
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Space heater -- $25.00
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Signs & outside wiring -- $25.00
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Heating minimum fee -- $50.00
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Refrigeration, air conditioning -- $25.00
Health Permit -- building 0-5,000 sq. ft., $25.00; over 5,000 sq.
ft., $50.00 |
