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1. When is the Planning and Development Office open?

Hours of Operation

Monday through Wednesday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2. How long does it take for Planning Board or Village Review Board Approval?

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

3. What are some examples of projects that require building permits?

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.

4. Who do I see if I want to build an addition, deck, garage, shed, etc?

Please contact Codes Enforcement if you need assistance at 207-725-6660, or visit the office at 85 Union Street during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

5. Can I submit my application online?

At this time we do not accept applications electronically. Please complete the applications by hand or electronically then sign, and deliver with the application fee to the Department of Planning and Development in person or by mail. Applications may also be emailed to Taylor Burdin and paid for over the phone by credit card. If you choose to go this route, please contact Taylor at 725-6660, ext. 4023 so she is aware that your application is coming and it is not disregarded as spam. Please be aware that credit cards are charged an additional 2.5% user fee.

6. What documents need to accompany a Development Review Application?

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

7. What are the documentation requirements for a Building Permit/Demolition Permit?

The Building Permit Application form (PDF) lists and explains all of the documentation required, including:

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

8. What are the requirements for residential construction under the new 2015 energy code?

Brunswick, ME will require compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) starting on January 1, 2022 for all permits issued for new homes, renovations & additions. Some important new requirements to note:

 

• Prescriptive insulation requirements have changed. All new homes & additions will need to meet these insulation levels or show alternative compliance. Reference Table 402.1.2 here (Climate Zone 6):  IECC 2015 chapter 4 Residential Energy Efficiency  
• The 2015 IECC requires air tightness levels of no greater than 3 air changes per hour on new homes. Compliance must be verified with blower door testing performed by an approved 3^rd party tester & documented with the Residential Envelope Leakage Test Report.  Residential Envelope Leakage Report  (Blower Door Test)
• Homes with ducted forced air heating systems will require duct testing if any ducts are located outside the conditioned space. Total leakage must be less than 4 cubic feet per minute per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area.  A written report of the results will be provided to the code officer.
• An insulation certificate detailing the Manufacturer, Type, Location & R-value of insulation materials used in the structure to be posted next to the electrical panel or in a similar suitable location
• Programmable thermostats are required for new homes
• Access hatches (attic scuttles, knee wall doors, etc.) between conditioned & unconditioned spaces must be gasketed, insulated to the same R-value as adjacent surfaces, & have a positive closure method. Insulation dams must be installed if loose fill insulation is used.

 

There may be additional requirements based on the specific project, it is advised that you review the entire 2015 IECC code.  Please contact the code office to discuss alternative methods of compliance or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the 2015 IECC

9. How do I obtain Planning Board, Village Review Board or Zoning Board of Appeals applications?

Please see the corresponding pages in the Planning and Development 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.

10. How do I obtain permit applications for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Signs or Change of Use?

Visit the Permits and Applications page to download the appropriate applications and read additional information.

11. How do I obtain a copy of my plot plan?

To obtain a copy of your plot plan, go to the Town of Brunswick Geographic Information System (GIS) and do the following:

1. Under the "Search" tab enter your address or Map and Lot and select the "Search" button.
2. In the task bar at the upper right-hand corner of the map, select the icon with the four squares ("Change the Base Map"). Select the 2012 Aerial Photo.
3. You may zoom in or out by using the scroll feature on your mouse.
4. To print, click on the printer icon in the task bar at the top right of the map. Type in a title if you wish (such as the address) and click "Export to PDF". Once converted to PDF, you may print as usual.
5. Draw the location of your project on the photo and indicate property line setbacks.

Please note that property lines may not be 100% accurate. For assistance, please call the Codes Enforcement Office at 207-725-6660 during normal business hours.

12. How do I determine the zone my house or business is in?

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

1. Under the "Search" tab enter your address or Map and Lot and select the "Search" button.
2. Select the "Legend" tab and under "Layers" check off "Zoning". Choose the arrow beside "Zoning" for the drop-down menu and check the box that says "General Zoning". The zoning layer will now appear on the map. Zoom in with the scroll feature on your mouse to read the actual zone designation.

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 Codes Enforcement Office for assistance at 207-725-6660 during normal business hours.

13. How do I report a code/zoning violation?

To report a Code or Zoning Violation, please call the Code Enforcement Officer during normal business hours at 207-725-6660 or visit the Codes Office. You can also download a Complaint Report (PDF) for Codes Enforcement and drop it off at the office or mail to:
Town of Brunswick
Department of Planning and Development
85 Union Street
Brunswick, ME 04011