Building Permit Applications are only available online, beginning in fall 2025.

The fee for a building permit is $10.00 per $1000.00 of the value of the project.  For example if the cost of the project is $9,125.00 then the fee for the permit will be $91.25.  There is a minimum $50.00 permit fee. *Note: There is also an additional fee for permits within Shoreland and Flood Zones.

The Town of York administers the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code. Currently we enforce ICC 2021.

Inspections are scheduled through the same system permits are issued, OpenGov. The lead time can be anywhere from a few days to two weeks out depending on the time of year.

Yes, however approvals are now given virtually on OpenGov, the online permitting platform.

Yes, if it is changing the scope of the work, but it's still part of the original project.

Example: If you have a building permit to replace a 10 x 10 deck and decide to make the deck 15 x 10.

View the town’s Geographical Information System GIS Maps. Search for your property by selecting Owner, Address or Parcel ID and typing in the appropriate information and Clicking “Find It” then "Zoom to Parcel". The GIS will display your property. Go to “Quick Maps” and select "Base Zone Mapping" from the drop down list.

To establish any new use or to change from one use to another you need a Use Permit. Use Permits for Route One and changes in non-conforming uses are issued by the Planning Board. The Code Enforcement Office issues most other Use Permits.

What zone or zones you are in determines what uses are permitted on your property. Once you have determined what zone(s) you are in you can look up the permitted uses for that zone(s) in Article Four of the Zoning Ordinance. Pay particular attention to any footnotes or performance standards that may apply.

A property can be in more than one zone and can have one or more over-lying zones, such as Shoreland, Flood, and/or Watershed. These overlay districts can be displayed on the GIS program by selecting “layers” under the map, selecting the layer you wish to display, scroll to the bottom and click “Refresh Map”.

Setbacks are the horizontal distance between the property line and a use, such as a dwelling. Front setbacks are measured from the front property line not the road.

Since setbacks may have to be calculated if your lot is non-confirming, we recommend emailing our team. Our team email is yorkcode@yorkmaine.org

Lot coverage is the ratio of impervious surfaces to lot size (see the definition of impervious surface ratio in Article Two of the Zoning Ordinance).

Since lot coverage varies due to several factors, we recommend emailing our team. Our team email is yorkcode@yorkmaine.org

Home occupations are allowed in every zone that allows dwellings to varying degrees. The rules for home occupations are found in Section 7.4 Home Occupations (PDF).

Apply for a Home Occupation permit on OpenGov.

View the town’s Geographical Information System (GIS Maps). Search for your property by selecting Owner, Address or Parcel ID and typing in the appropriate information, Clicking “Find It” and then "Zoom to Parcel". The GIS will display your property. To find the Flood Zone from ”Quick Maps” choose “Flood Plain Mapping.”

If your property is in a 100 year flood zone you need a Flood Permit whenever you need a Building Permit, when filling or earth-moving, and for fences.

The law requires utility companies to have certification that you have the necessary subdivision and shoreline zoning permits from the Town before they can connect you to any public utility. Central Maine Power’s 1190 form is available here, This form must be signed by a Town official before you can have your power turned on.

The 1360 Form provides certification that your single-family home has been inspected by a State or local inspector, master electrician, or limited electrician in house wiring prior to receiving new service.  You can find this form here.

Beginning May 2023 our office no longer completes electrical inspections for residential projects. State inspections are still needed for commercial or multi-family projects.

Residential projects need to complete our electrical affidavit in order to receive final occupancy or close out a permit.

Plumbing Permits are required for new plumbing, relocated plumbing, and for changing fixtures. Replacing a hot water tank, faucets, or toilets also requires a Plumbing Permit.

Plumbing Permits are only issued to Master Plumbers licensed in the State of Maine and to homeowners for plumbing in their primary, year-round residency (single family dwelling). For homeowners to do their own plumbing, the property cannot be rented or be for sale, additionally the homeowner must buy all the materials, install and test the plumbing per code.

The State licenses Site Evaluators to perform soil test (replaces perk tests) and design septic systems also known as sub-surface waste water disposal systems.

If that wet spot is near your septic system it could be a sign of a failed or failing septic system. Keep people and animals away from this area and get help finding the cause of this problem.

You must obtain a permit prior to installing a new septic system, a replacement septic system, or repairing a septic system.

View suggested pumping frequency and other advice about septic systems (PDF).

Yes, a building permit is required and can be applied for on OpenGov.

Yes, if your property is located in the shoreland zone or in a 100 year floodplain, or if you're looking to construct a fence over 8-feet.

Maine State Law and local ordinances do not require the good side to be toward your neighbor.

Yes, any earth-moving including filling, requires a permit in the Shoreland Zone, no matter how small.

In the Shoreland Zone permits are required for cutting and clearing vegetation, timber harvesting, filling, earth moving, and for any change to a building.

The setbacks vary by Shoreland sub-district and for wetlands in the Shoreland Zone by size. Generally the setback for the ocean, rivers and large wetlands (over ten acres) is 100 feet. The setback for protected streams and medium wetlands (4-10 acres) is 75 feet. There are no setback requirements for wetlands with less than 4 acres but there is no wetland disturbance or fill allowed without a permit.

The Shoreland zone is a 250 foot area surrounding water bodies, wetlands, and 75 feet from protected streams. If you are within these areas you will be considered in the Shoreland Zone.

York is growing faster than most communities in Maine and un-controlled fill destroys animal habitat and can result in flooding. York has chosen to be more restrictive than the State of Maine due to its rapid growth.

No, not unless you have a permit and only in limited circumstances. Wetland fill is only allowed to provide access to an upland site when no reasonable alternative exists.

Any newly created lots in the Watershed Protection Overlay District must be at least 10 acres and have 200 feet of frontage on a road. Proposed structures would be required to be 500 feet from a public water supply and 250 feet from all streams that feed the public water supply.

The Town Health Officer is available to address issues that affect the health and well being of the public in York. Direct such issues as air quality, asbestos, radon, lead, smoke, mold, carbon monoxide, hoarding, bed bugs and other pests, failed health inspections, and rental housing complaints to the Health Officer at 207-363-1002.

If there are possible building code violations, contact the Code Enforcement Office at 207-363-1002.