Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement is a part of the Community Development Department and serves as a resource to the public, town departments and to volunteer boards and committees. The primary role of the Code Enforcement office is to review and approve permit applications, conduct inspections, ensure Codes and Ordinance compliance for the town, as well as provide various types of assistance to the general public, in a way that upholds a standard of conduct that is fair and equitable to all. The Code Enforcement officers also act in the capacity of local plumbing inspector (LPI), Shoreland Zoning administrator, and Flood Plain Management administrator.

Ask a Code Officer/Request Information

Each week the Code Officers hold open office hours to meet with the public and answer questions. Office hours are held twice/week on the 2nd floor of Town Hall: 

  • Tuesdays, from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
  • Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

These hours are first come/first served and are limited to about 15 minutes. Please check in at the Community Development Department in Room 216 upon your arrival and bring any documentation or property information to the visit so that we can best respond to your inquiry. 

If you are unable to visit in person during these hours, you may contact us via email, or complete this form to request information on a specific property, zoning requirements, subdividing property, etc., however due to the volume of requests, a response may take up to 10 business days. All requests are taken in order of when received and reviewed depending on availability of staff.

You may also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions here. 

Permitting Information  

Per the Kennebunk Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, Administration and Enforcement, Section 1 (PDF), "No building, sign or other structure shall be erected, altered, moved or demolished in the Town without a written permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. Such a permit shall be issued only if the building plans and/or intended use(s) fulfill the requirements of the applicable provisions of this Ordinance, and the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) and after the payment of all building permit fees." 

Permit applications are taken online (see below). Depending on the type, size and scope of project permit approval can take up to 4 weeks. Generally, smaller projects such as pools, decks and sheds, have an approximate turnaround time of a week or less, depending on staff availability and workload. The minimum fee for a building permit is $40. Additional fees are calculated by the Code Enforcement Officer based on the cost and size of the project. 

Once a permit is approved, payment must be received before it is issued and any required inspections can be requested. All inspection requests must be made by contacting the Community Development Department. Inspection requests can be made over the phone by calling (207) 604-1303, or by email. 

Apply Online for Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Sign Permits

The Code Enforcement office is now using permitting software through iWorQ to allow for online application and permit management information for building, electrical, plumbing and sign permits. Please have all application information and file uploads ready before submitting an application. Apply for permits online Opens in new window

View tutorial: How to Submit an Application using the Portal

Click to Learn How to Submit an Application using the new iWorQ Portal Opens in new window

View tutorial: How to use the Portal to Search for Existing Permits

Click to Learn How to Use the new iWorQ Portal to Search for Existing Permits Opens in new window

Complaint/Violation Report

To report a complaint or suspected ordinance or code violation, please submit using our complaint/code violation form.

  1. When is a Building Permit required?
  2. What codes are in effect in the Town of Kennebunk?
  3. How long is a permit valid?
  4. Do I need a permit to put a shed on my property?
  5. Do I need a permit for replacement windows and doors?
  6. When is a handrail required?
  7. What size does a bedroom egress window have to be?
  8. What are the stair riser and tread requirements?
  9. When is a guardrail required?
  10. How much frost protection should I have?
  11. What R-Values should I insulate to?
  12. What are the ventilation requirements for a crawl space?
  13. When is safety glazing required?