BUILDING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT

 

Building and Plumbing Permits

Applications can be downloaded or are available at the Town Office

Building permit application packet 

Plumbing application 

Sample site plan

 

When do I need a Permit?

New construction. New construction of buildings and structures.

Alteration of a building, structure, or land, or parts thereof, including but not limited to:

Change in size of windows or doors

Repair of foundations

Interior renovations: remodeling interior walls to create new rooms

Enclosing open frame porch

Installing skylights

Erection of fences

Construction of new steps

Decks and sheds

Creation of roads or driveways, adding fill

Placement of signs; except temporary signs.

Moving or demolition of structures

Change of use

Plumbing new or replacement

Electrical work

Septic System installation or repair

Activities within the Shoreland Zone (250 feet from high annual tide line)

 

When don't I need a Permit?

Re-roofing

Siding a structure

Replacing windows with new windows of the same size, in same location

Replacing a plumbing fixture

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 

The Code Enforcement Officer’s job is to approve building and plumbing permits. The officer’s primary purpose is to protect the lives, safety, and property of everyone who lives, works or visits our community. These objectives are achieved through the enforcement of state laws and local ordinances related to shore land zoning, land use regulation, plumbing, subsurface waste disposal, life safety and building standards.

 

Stephen Cox is the Town of Sorrento’s Code Enforcement Officer and Plumbing Inspector.  You can reach him at 207-263-6887 or email dennysriverpipe@yahoo.com.

 

See also the Maine Department of Environmental Protection - Shoreland Zoning Section 

https://www.maine.gov/dep/land/slz/index.html

 

The Code Enforcement Officer is also in charge of septic system permits and plumbing permits required by the State of Maine.

 

Sorrento Ordinances:

Floodplain Management Ordinance (2016) (link)

Land Use Ordinance (2016) (link)

Shoreland Zoning Ordinance (2021) (link)

The Town of Sorrento is responsible for administering the Town of Sorrento Shoreland 

Zoning Ordinance.  Any construction within 75 feet of the shore or a stream requires permitting. 

 

State Building Codes:

2015 International Residential Code (IRC)

2015 International Building Code (IBC)

2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), E-1465-08:

Standard Practice for Radon Control Options for the Design and Construction of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings 

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

 

Plumbing Codes:

Uniform Plumbing Code 2021

Maine Subsurface Wastewater Rules (2023)

 

Design Climate Data:

Climate Zone 6 (A)

Ground Snow Load = 50 lbs.

Wind Speed (ASCE 7-16) = 102 mph

Frost Depth = 48 inches

Seismic Requirements: None

Hurricane Requirements: None

 

Additional Code Information:

State of Maine

National Electrical Code - 2020 NEC

2018 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)

Deck Construction Guide

Fire Protection of Floors Constructed with Wood I Joists

Maine Manufactured Home Requirements

Well Water Quality

Maine Fuel Gas Detector Law (2022)