York County, Maine Building Permit Guide

York County has 29 municipalities, and building permits are issued by each of them; the county provides law enforcement for 14 of them and emergency management for the whole county. By the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimates the largest are Sanford (22663), Biddeford (22399), Saco (21159) and York (14293).

This guide covers the code offices of the four largest municipalities and the state office that permits public buildings.

What requires a building permit in York County?

York County has no county building rules. Maine’s building code is adopted statewide, but whether a permit is needed, what it costs and how it is filed are set by each town, as the examples below show.

Maine’s adopted code applies statewide, but permits are required where the town’s ordinance says so; shoreland zoning applies statewide near water, fees and appeals are local, and code enforcement officers must be certified by the state. Maine rules

York County building department: who handles permitting

Each municipality issues its own building permits.

For public buildings, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office Plans Review division (45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1, Augusta; (207) 626-3880) issues the state construction permit, plus accessibility (barrier-free) permits and fire sprinkler permits, on top of the town permit.

Local rules in the largest York County towns

Sanford

Building permit applications are printed PDFs submitted with supporting documents to the office. A new sewer attachment needs a Sanford Sanitary District permit showing sewer availability, and a new road opening needs a Public Works Road Opening Permit, both attached to the application.

Biddeford

Permits can be emailed to the Code Enforcement Office. Typical turnaround is 10 to 14 days for residential permits.

Saco

Applications are available online through iWorQ or as PDFs, and building permits take approximately 30 business days to process. Impact fees are payable when the permit is issued.

York

Since October 27, 2025 the Code Enforcement Office takes building and plumbing applications, payments and inspection scheduling through OpenGov. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. A new private well needs the Town’s own $25 well permit.

York County permit costs and fees

Each municipality sets its own fees:

• Biddeford: $15.00 per $1,000 plus a $60 application fee (projects under $5,000 pay only the $60).
• Saco: $12 per $1,000 of estimated cost for one- and two-family work (minimum $45); starting early costs double the fee for a 1st offense, triple for a 2nd, and $2,500.00 after that. Impact fees for a single-family home on city sewer include $6,569.35 waste water recovery, $1,500.80 recreation facilities, $624.00 open space recreation and $500.00 Fire / EMS.
• York: $10.00 per $1000.00 of project value, minimum $50.00, with an additional fee in Shoreland and Flood Zones. A new single-family home with 3 bedrooms also pays a $1,700 school impact fee ($3,400 with 4 or more bedrooms) before the occupancy permit.
• Sanford: fees double if work starts before a permit is obtained.

How to get a building permit in York County

Inspections in York County

Inspections are done by the municipal code office. Sanford needs at least 24 hour notice; Biddeford inspections are scheduled 48 hours ahead by calling 207-284-9236; York schedules inspections in OpenGov.

York County permit search and official resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• York County government
• Sanford Codes Enforcement
• Biddeford Code Enforcement
• Saco Code Enforcement
• Town of York Code Enforcement
• Maine State Fire Marshal Plans Review

Frequently asked questions

Does York County issue building permits?

No. Each of its 29 municipalities issues its own building permits.

What impact fees does Saco charge on a new house?

For a single-family home on city sewer: $6,569.35 waste water recovery, $1,500.80 recreation facilities, $624.00 open space recreation and $500.00 Fire / EMS, paid when the permit is issued.

How do I apply in the Town of York?

Through OpenGov, which since October 27, 2025 handles applications, payments and inspection scheduling.

Simplify York County permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Confirm which town code office or state office has the parcel and the project type
• Prepare the town application, state plumbing forms and any State Fire Marshal permit
• Schedule the town’s required inspections and close out the permit

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Maine. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about York County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.