Permit Review
Any repair, alteration, addition to or change of use of a building or structure, and soil disturbance over 50 cubic yards, needs a building permit. Project approval begins with the submittal of a Land Use and Multi-Purpose Permit Applicaiton and construction documents. The Code Enforcement Division reviews the plans to verify that the proposed construction is designed to meet applicable codes, statutes and ordinances. The Code Enforcement Office must verify that projects have obtained the necessary planning, public safety, public works, State Fire Marshal, State Electrical Inspector, and Department of Environmental Protection clearances.
The Code Enforcement Division provides consultation services. Depending on the complexity, the time frame for building permit approval is less than five days, although more complete permit reviews may take longer. The permit review time allowed by the Land Use Ordinance is 14 days.
About Land Use and Multi-Purpose Permit Applications (including Building Permits)
Property owners are responsible for complying with all city ordinances and codes. The Code Enforcement Office is available to answer any questions about any planned construction activities.
COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL PROPERTIES: Property owners/contractors of commercial or rental property shall contact the City Code Enforcement Officer for permits/information before undertaking any construction, replacement or repair projects.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES: Property owners are encouraged to contact the City Code Enforcement Office with any questions about permits before beginning construction, replacement or repairs.
INTERNAL PLUMBING: An internal plumbing permit is required for Installation or replacement of all water distributing and drainage pipes, water storage tanks and water heaters and installation of all new faucets, valves and plumbing. A permit is valid for 24 months after the date of issuance. A permit is not required for the clearing of stoppages and repairing of leaks in all water distributing and drainage pipes, valves, and faucets, provided the work does not require the replacement or relocation of any pipes.
SEWER AND WATER HOOK-UPS: Code Enforcement is responsible for public sewer and water hook-up permits. The Gardiner Public Works, Water and Sewer Departments are responsible for Code and Ordinance administration. Public sewer and water hook-up permits include two classes: residential and commercial service and establishments producing industrial wastes. In either case any new, relocation, alteration, use, connections with or opening into public sewer and water must first receive an approved sewer and water hook-up permit from the Code Enforcement Office and any other applicable state or federal agency prior to the commencement of construction. Any questions associated with public sewer and water connections should be directed to Public Works, Water, or Sewer Departments.
EXTERNAL PLUMBING: External plumbing permits or subsurface wastewater disposal (septic) system (SSWD) applications are required to be completed by a State of Maine licensed site evaluator. The application then needs to be reviewed and permitted by the Local Plumbing Inspector at the Code Enforcement Office. If a SSWD application has a signed, dated permit label affixed to page one of the permit application form, the permit is approved. Permits are required for any work related to subsurface waste water disposal systems except for minor repairs to pumps, clearance of a stoppage, sealing of a leak in the septic tank, building sewer or effluent line, adding fill material to a fill extension.
Property owners considering construction, replacement or repairs to a building within the Shoreland Zone or Flood Plain, shall contact the CEO before beginning ANY construction, replacement or repairs. Zoning Districts Map
Click here for examples of residential projects which do not require permitting from the City.
In order for the City to process Planning Board, Board of Appeals, and Historic Commission applications, the City follows the timelines and processes established by the Land Use Ordinance.
Meeting Schedules - Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board, and Ordinance Review Committee.
Please contact the Code Enforcement Office at (207) 582-6892, if you have any questions about applications or the permitting process.