FAQs • Skowhegan, ME • CivicEngage

Where do I need to have smoke detectors in my home?: According to the State of Maine Life Safety Code and the Town of Skowhegan Building Code, smoke alarms need to be installed in all sleeping rooms and there also needs to be one on every level of the dwelling unit, including basements. They also need to be installed on the outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms.

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Code Enforcement and Planning

1. What type of projects do I need a Building Permit for?: Under this newly adopted ordinance, as of July 1, 2012, Building Permits will be required from the Skowhegan Code Enforcement Office prior to the start of construction or placement of any of the following:
New Residential Construction (one and two family, including modular)
New Commercial / Multi Family Construction
Renovations Residential
Renovations Commercial / Multi Family
Garage with foundation
Utility Building no foundation
Decks
Mobile Homes (new or relocated used)
Demolition of structures (residential / commercial)
Pools (greater than 24 inches deep)

2. Do I need a plumbing permit?: Yes, you need to come in to the Code Enforcement Office for either interior or exterior plumbing permits before you begin any plumbing work.

3. Can I do my own plumbing and electrical or do I need to hire a State of Maine Licensed Plumber and Electrician?: Yes, you can do your own plumbing and electrical work only if the building is your primary residence and you are capable of meeting all Maine State Plumbing and Electrical Codes. If the building is not your primary residence you must hire a State of Maine Licensed Plumber and or Electrician to do the work.

4. How close to my property line can I build?: In most cases there is a five (5) foot set back from your property line. This excludes subdivisions. If you are building in a subdivision please refer to your subdivision covenants for the set back distance before you begin building.

5. If I am planning a project in a Shoreland Zoning District do I need a permit?: Yes. You need to contact the Code Enforcement Office for any projects within 250 feet of most water bodies.

6. What type of zoning does Skowhegan have?: Skowhegan has Flood Hazard and Shoreland Zoning, other than these there are currently no residential or commercial zoning districts in the community.

7. What does "subdivision" mean?: Subdivision means the division of a tract or parcel of land into three or more lots or the placement of three or more structures within any five year period. Please contact the Planning Office with any questions and subdivision applications.

8. Does the Planning Office have copies of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps?: Yes, please stop by the office to view the flood maps.

9. Where do I need to have smoke detectors in my home?: According to the State of Maine Life Safety Code and the Town of Skowhegan Building Code, smoke alarms need to be installed in all sleeping rooms and there also needs to be one on every level of the dwelling unit, including basements. They also need to be installed on the outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms.