Frequently Asked Questions

The State of Maine has amended the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC).  On Tuesday, January 7, 2025 the Department of Public Safety adopted the amendments into rule.  Newly adopted 2021 I-codes and corresponding standards will go into effect as of April 7, 2025.

 The updated MUBEC will consist of

• 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

 Permits applied for after 4/7/2025 will be required to comply with 2021 Codes and Standards. Permits issued prior to this date will be subject to the codes in effect when the permit was issued. Please reach out to the Brunswick Planning and Codes department if you have questions regarding this code update. Additional MUBEC information can be found at the State of Maine website here:

https://www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/building-codes

Hours of Operation

New Office Hours 

(Effective July 7, 2025)

Monday – Thursday:

7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Friday: Closed

Visit the Permits and Applications page to find the link to the Permitting Portal.

A Building Permit is needed for, but not limited to, the following activities:

• Add an Addition or Deck
• Build a Chicken Coop or Farm Animal Shelter
• Build a Shed or Install a Premade Shed/Garage
• Change the Use of a Building or Structure
• Marine Dock System
• New Structures or Additions
• Renovations That Include the Demolition or Construction of Walls or the Opening up of Existing Walls
• Swimming Pools

Permits Not Required

You do not need a Building Permit to do the following (always check with the Codes Office for approval):

• Construct a Fence
• Replace Flooring
• Replace Roofing or Siding (No Structural Changes) 

Properties in the Village Review Zone will require village review board approval.

• Cross Sections
• Deck Construction
• Floor Plans
• Foundation Plan
• Plot Plan
• Sewer Impact Fee Receipt or New Septic Design
• Window and Door Schedules

Please see the corresponding pages in the Planning and Codes section of this website to download the applications needed, and to view meeting schedules and deadlines. For further details or to be placed on the agenda, please contact the Planning Office at 207-725-6660 or visit us during normal business hours.

Please download and complete the appropriate application, as each Major Development Review, Minor Development Review and Special Permit have different requirements. Please contact Planning and Development at 207-725-6660 during normal business hours for further details or to be placed on the Planning Board agenda,

Please email the Director of Planning & Development call 207-725-6660, as cases may vary.

To determine the zone that the selected property is in, go to the Town of Brunswick Geographic Information System (GIS).

Once you have determined your zone and wish to find information on use and dimensional/density requirements, please reference the Brunswick Zoning Ordinance or call the Code Enforcement Office for assistance at 207-725-6660 during normal business hours.

For questions about a possible Code or Zoning Violation, please call the Code Enforcement Office during normal business hours at 207-725-6660 or visit the Codes Office. To report a violation please download a Complaint Report (PDF) or stop into our office to pick one up, fill it out and return it to the Code Enforcement office in person, by email or  regular mail to:

 Town of Brunswick
 Department of Planning and Development
 85 Union Street
 Brunswick, ME 04011