Code Enforcement

Responsibilities of Code Enforcement Department


The Wells Code Enforcement Department administers all of the zoning ordinances, building codes, licensing ordinances, growth ordinances, and the Impact Fee Ordinance for the Town of Wells.

Our department is also charged with the enforcement of the Shoreland Zoning, the State of Maine Internal Plumbing rules, the State of Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules and Floodplain Management Ordinance. Each Ordinance has specific administrative procedures for the review of applications, inspections and enforcement. 

In addition to the rules that we administer, we are also required to enforce dozens of other state and federal land use rules, regulations and laws. These duties utilize the majority of our staff time and efforts.

Requests for Files



The Code Enforcement Office requires up to 48 hours to pull records or property files that are not part of an open permit. Please plan accordingly. 

​Town Building Code: "MUBEC"

Please be advised, pursuant to 10 M.R.S. § 9724(1), that the applicable building code of the Town of Wells is the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code ("MUBEC").  MUBEC consists, in part, of the 2015 versions of the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC).  Articles II and II of Chapter 91 (Building Construction) of the Code of the Town of Wells are based on the 2003 IRC and the 2006 IBC, and therefore, do not apply as they are out of date.  All construction in the Town of Wells must comply with applicable standards of MUBEC.

Please be advised on April 23, 2018 (90 day grace period) the 2015 Building Codes went into effect. This includes the 2015 International Residential (IRC) and 2015 International Building (IBC), the 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC). The 2009 IECC (Energy Code) will continue to be used.

Helpful Resources

  1. All Purpose Permit Application
  2. Building Handouts (PDF)
  3. Building Permit Fees (PDF)
  4. Campground Building Permit (PDF)
  5. Campground Handout (PDF)
  6. Central Maine Power Form (PDF)
  7. Chimney Waiver
  8. Commercial Projects (PDF)
  9. Deck Handout 2015 IRC
  10. Demolition Permit Application (PDF)
  11. Dig Safe Brochure (2) (PDF)
  12. Dig Safe Brochure (PDF)
  13. Driveway and Street Opening Permit
  14. Egress Windows
  15. Fair Point Telephone Application (PDF)
  16. FEMA Propane Tank Requirements (PDF)
  17. FEMA Substantial Improvements
  1. Flood application 2018
  2. Guide to Hiring a Building Contractor (PDF)
  3. Height Certificate
  4. Home Occupation Application (PDF)
  5. How to Complete an All Purpose Permit
  6. Kennebunk Light and Power Application (PDF)
  7. New Single Family Dwelling Handout (PDF)
  8. Permitted Land Use Table revised 03-20-15
  9. Pinning Letter
  10. Rotting Materials Flyer (PDF)
  11. Sample Plot Plan
  12. Signage Awning Permit Application (PDF)
  13. Single Family Dwelling Alterations Checklist (PDF)
  14. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Information Feb 2015 (PDF)
  15. Swimming Pool Permit Application (PDF)
  16. Swimming Pool Brochure (PDF)
  17. Zoning Dimensional Requirements Chart (PDF)