Mission Statement:
The Code Enforcement Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of all Town ordinances and adopted codes relating to land and property use, building construction and property maintenance. Building, plumbing and electrical permits are available from this office as well as business licenses which are required for anyone establishing a new business or for seasonal/year-round rentals. The Department’s ultimate goal is consistency through fair and effective enforcement.
Code Officers work with local residents, builders and developers guiding them in proper residential and commercial construction that satisfies both local and state codes. Code Officers can explain procedures, related codes and ordinances through the review of applications, plans and any related documents according to established guidelines.
Permits & Inspections:
Building Permits are issued to authorize the start of a project if it is determined to be in compliance with the Town of Old Orchard’s Ordinance, locally adopted State codes and other applicable regulations. Inspections are performed to ensure that work is done as approved. The issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CFO), the last step in this process, occurs after a final inspection shows that the project has been completed as permitted.
Enforcing Codes:
The Bureau of Building Codes and Standards was created in 2010 under Title 25 §2372 to provide administrative and technical support to the Technical Building Codes and Standards Board. The BBCS also provides non-binding technical interpretation of the codes for professionals and the public.
Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code
MUBEC applies to all towns within the State of Maine (Maine Uniform Building Code or Maine Uniform Energy Code, see Chapter 1 below).
MUBEC is made up of the following codes and standards:
- 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2015 International Building Code (IBC)
- 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
The following standards are also adopted as part of the MUBEC, and are mandatory.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standards:
- 62.1 – 2016 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality)
- 62.2 – 2016 (Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings)
- 90.1 – 2016 (Energy Standard for Buildings except Low-Rise Residential Buildings) editions without addenda.
- E-1465-2008, Standard Practice for Radon Control Options for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
Maine has adopted the national model codes and standards with amendments. The amendments are listed in Rule Chapters 1-6. Chapters can be found under MUBEC Rules and Laws.
The State of Maine also has State adopted NFPA Standards and those can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/fire-service-laws/nfpa
If you have questions regarding codes, permit requirements or general questions, please contact us.