Maine Building Code 2025

Maine building code provides safety measures through well-defined standards for plumbing together with electric power and fire protection requirements. To receive fast permit approvals together with on-time licenses business operators must comply with established guidelines. Understanding the regulations proves essential to both new business setup and renovation work since it enables delays to be prevented.

Maine Building Code, Permit and Licensing Information

Updated: May 24, 2024

The compliance process enables straightforward approvals which do not result in unnecessary expenses. Building contractors and property owners gain essential guidance when establishing the correct procedures to build and start their businesses. Following Maine building standards allows people to finish their work effectively and securely as well as with high quality.

What Maine Building Code Does the State Adopt Now?

• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2015 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) – Effective July 2, 2021
• State Energy Code 2015 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2013
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code 2024

Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) applies to all towns within the State of Maine (Maine Uniform Building Code or Maine Uniform Energy Code, see Chapter 1 below).

MUBEC is made up of the following codes and standards:

The following standards are also uses as part of the MUBEC, and are mandatory.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standards:

• 62.1 – 2013 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality)
• 62.2 – 2013 (Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings)
• 90.1 – 2013 (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.

Maine has adopted these national model codes and standards with amendments.  The amendments are listed in Rule Chapters 1-6 below.

• • Chapter 1 – Administration (Word DOC)
  • Chapter 2 -Third Party Inspectors (Word DOC)
  • Chapter 3 – IBC International Building Code (Word DOC)
  • Chapter 4 – IEBC International Existing Building Code (Word DOC)
  • Chapter 5 – IRC International Residential Building Code  (Word DOC)
  • Chapter 6 – IECC International Energy Conservation Code (Word DOC)

Applicability (statewide, local, limited): LIMITED

Maine adopts the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC). Enforcement of the code is required for all communities with a population greater than 4,000. The Technical Building Codes and Standards Board which is appointed by the Governor, resolves conflicts between state building and fire codes.  Maine released updated amendments on November 6, 2017, which then became mandatory throughout the state. The Maine is another state on a three-year Code cycle, so they will likely adopt the NEC-2020 sometime in 2021.

Maine Building Code Agency:

State Building Official:
Commissioner of Public Safety
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
104 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 626-3803
Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/building-codes