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1. When is a Building Permit Required?

• Construction or alteration of any building or structure
• Installation of a swimming pool of any kind
• Demolition of a structure (Hazard determination may be required)
• Change in use or occupancy to include change of use of unit/building or Tenant fit-up
• Buildings and structures moved into or within the Town of Wells
• Interior alterations
• Installation or replacement of a sign or banner prior to it being errected
• Plumbing work
• Window replacement
• Sheds and decks that are moved, built or rebuilt
• Driveway openings may require permits for one of the following: new, relocated or altered

The Code Enforcement Officer will not act upon any application for a building permit until all required documents or other permits which may be required by the Zoning Ordinance, and other local ordinances, or under State or Federal law/ regulations have been received.

Each application for a building permit shall include:
• Plot Plan - drawn to scale showing and stating the dimensions in feet of the lot;
location and size/dimensions of all buildings proposed, existing, moved, or
demolished on such lot, indicate distance from lot lines to buildings; show street(s), alleys or right of ways on or
adjacent to the lot; wetlands and any other water bodies, indicate with an arrow the direction of North (N)
• Statement of the use intended to be made of any buildings and the lot itself even
in event of demolition
• Scope/description of work to be completed
• Drawings/Plans;
- New Structures/Dwelling units require a full set of Architectural drawings, and an 8-1/2 x 11” copy
- Smaller scope projects require a drawing/sketch with details and dimensions/materials to be used
• Copy of deed (if property is bought or split within two years)
• Bill of sale (if bought within two years)
• Square footage of all the work to be completed on a provided “square footage sheet”

Additional documents or requirements that may be requested and or needed.
• Wastewater disposal system documentation i.e. Septic design or Sewer District, (connection approval)
• Water Test indicating water is potable on the property if project is a new single family dwelling in a subdivision
• Height and/or Elevation Certificate completed by a licensed Surveyor/Engineer
• A letter stating that the Foundation was pinned by a licensed Surveyor/Engineer
• If the property is in a Flood Zone a DEP Permit and/or flood permit may be required
• Sprinkler Systems requires two sets of plans from the designer of the system if it is part of a subdivision
• Demolition of a building will require all taxes to be paid on the structure prior to demolition approval
• If installing LVL or Steel Beams, Truss rafter systems, engineering specifications are required
• Sheds, if manufactured (store bought), a copy of design specifications
• For subdivisions, owners/contractors must refer to the site plan notes for additional requirements

If you are not sure what will be required for your project, please call the Code Office at 207-646-5187.

The information above is based on the most frequently asked question to the Code Enforcement Office

2. What are the Requirements and Process for Pinning Footings/ Foundations?

1. The following criteria will be used in the review process in determining those projects that will need to be pinned prior to pouring concrete for footings/foundations.
a. Projects with structures that are within five feet of any setbacks/buffers.
b. Projects with structures that fall within a specified building window/envelope that is within five feet of any specified control points/lines within the building window/envelope.
c. Projects that have required building to building distances.
d. Projects deemed by this office as necessary based on the above factors, and or past practices, as well as for any projects where a distance or factor warrants consideration.

2. The following outlines the process for compliance this office is requiring.
a. Prior to pouring concrete the footing/foundation will be pinned and clearly marked by a professional Surveyor/Engineer.
b. A formal letter from the individual or company who pinned the site is also required. The letter must be on company letter head, and signed. The letter should indicate the Map/Lot, address/location of where the work was completed and a brief statement indicating work completed; referencing the site pinned meets all required setbacks as outlined on the plot or site plan that was submitted for the project.

3. If a Code Enforcement official arrives for a scheduled inspections and the site is not pinned, and the letter has not been received the footings will not be inspected, which could delay your construction schedule, plan accordingly.

4. This policy has been in place for some time now, and is typically stated under the Zoning and Planning conditions of a permit. For all projects that have had Planning Board/Staff Review approval this condition is also noted on your approved site plans.