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1. How do I get a building permit?

Building Permit applications are available online, at the Code Enforcement Office, and by mail. Minor permits can be issued during walk-in hours. Permits for new dwellings, new commercial structures, shoreland, and flood require an office appointment.

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.

2. What building codes does the town use?

The Town of York administers the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code.

3. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call our office at 207-363-1002, ext. 1, Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reenie Johnson will schedule your appointment with the inspector. Be sure to have the accurate address, the permit number and the homeowners name. The lead time can be anywhere from the next day to two weeks out depending on the time of year.

4. Do I need sign off for water and sewer for my building permit?

Yes. Contact the York Water District and York Sewer District.

5. Can I amend my building permit?

Yes, if it is part of or directly related to the original project. However, if one portion of the work has been done before the amended work is finished, the entire permit remains open until all work as been completed.

Example: If you take out a construction loan to remodel your kitchen and amend your permit to add a generator, both projects must be completed to obtain a final sign-off from the Code Officer.

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1. When do I need an electrical permit?

A separate electrical permit is needed when only electrical work is being done in a one or two family dwelling, commercial work and multi-family dwellings. An electrical permit is required from the State of Maine for all commercial and multi-family dwellings. Approval for electrical work in one and two family dwelling is usually included in the building permit.

2. What is an 1190 form and why do I need it?

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.

3. What is a 1360 Form and why do I need it?

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.

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1. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes, if your property is located in the shoreland zone or in a 100 year floodplain.

2. Does the good side of the fence go out?

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

3. How tall can a fence be?

Maine State Law provides that a fence over six feet may be considered a “spite fence” and ordered removed.

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1. What Flood Zone am I in?

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.”

2. When do I need a Flood Permit?

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.

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1. When do I need a Plumbing 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.

2. Who can pull 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 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.

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1. Do I need a permit for a swimming pool or hot tub?

Yes, a building permit is required.

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1. I am not satisfied with the condition of the summer cottage I rented. What do I do?

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.

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1. Who is licensed to evaluate soils and design septic systems?

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.

2. What is that wet spot in my lawn?

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.

3. When do I need a permit for a septic system?

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

4. How often should I pump my septic tank?

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

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1. Do I need a Shoreland Permit to move a small amount of earth?

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

2. When do I need a Shoreland Permit?

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

3. What are the setbacks in the Shoreland Zone?

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.

4. How can I be in shoreland when I am no where near the ocean?

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.

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1. Can I divide my land in the Watershed Protection Overlay District?

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.

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1. Why can't I fill 4,300 square feet of wetland like the State allows?

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.

2. Can I fill in a wetland?

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.

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1. What zone am I in?

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.

2. When do I need a Use Permit?

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.

3. What kinds of uses are permitted on my property?

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.

4. Can I be in more than one zone?

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”.

5. What are setbacks?

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.

6. What are the setbacks for my property?

Setbacks are found in article 5 of the Zoning Ordinance for conforming lots. Look up setbacks for conforming lots. The setbacks for all non-conforming lots of record are found in section 17.3.4. Look up setbacks for non-conforming lots.

7. What is lot coverage?

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).

8. How much of my lot can I cover?

Lot coverage is given in Article 5 of the Zoning Ordinance, footnote d, and in several special zones, such as the Water Protection Overlay District section 10.404.

9. Can I have a home occupation?

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).