Norway, Maine

Code Enforcement

Code / Health Enforcement/LPI/AO

Code Enforcement Officer - Chris Bilodeau

Email: ceo@norwaymaine.com

Assistant Code Enforcement Officer - Brett

Email: Brett@norwaymaine.com

Permits & Licenses

Town Permits

The Town of Norway requires residents and contractors to obtain a permit for the following types of projects:

  • New Construction
  • Renovations
  • Garages
  • Sheds
  • Electrical work
  • Internal Plumbing
  • Septic Systems

Permit application forms may be obtained at the Town Offices or by visiting our Documents Page under “Applications & Permits”.

Please contact the Code Enforcement Officer for more information.

Burn Permits

A burn permit is required for individuals and businesses who seek to burn brush piles, wood debris and agricultural materials. A permit is not required for cooking and warming fires in established fire rings that are 36” or less in diameter. Free burn permits are issued through the Warden’s Report website or by contacting the Fire Department. Permits are issued when the weather conditions and staffing allows. Please contact the Norway Fire Department for more information

Links

Frequently Asked Questions

I have land and want to build. Where do I start?

  • A buildable lot on town water and sewer is 100’ of road frontage and 10,000 sqft. (.25 acre)
  • A buildable lot on a private well and septic system requires 100’ of road frontage and 20,000 sq ft (.5 acre)
  • If you have those, stop by town hall for a “purple folder”. The left side contains the forms to fill out and return, while the right side contains information for yourself.
  • If your project is smaller in nature then you need a building permit application, a cross section of how it goes together, and a plot plan showing where on the property its located with distances to property lines and road
  • If you are unable to pick up a folder you can download the New Building Checklist here

How do I get a septic plan?

  • A septic plan is drawn up by a licensed site evaluator and is a called a HHE-200. It is a 3-page document that shows where your septic system is located on the property. You can find a site evaluator from this listhere

What does Zoning in Norway look like?

  • Norway has little zoning compared to other towns. Shoreland zoning is the biggest but only applies if you’re on a body of water, stream or wetland. There is a downtown Norway/ Gateway district encompassing the Main St area.

What are the setbacks?

  • From the edge of traveled way the set back to any structure is 25 feet
  • From sides and rear of the property the setback to the primary structure is 20 feet
  • From sides and rear of the property the setback to a single story accessory structure not used for living space is 10 feet

What is an accessory structure?

  • Typically, an accessory structure is a single story out building such as garage, shed, deck, etc… that is not built as a dwelling unit.

What are the minimum dwelling unit sizes in Norway?

  • Currently 500 sq ft feet
  • Tiny Homes max at 400 sq ft

What is a dwelling Unit?

  • A dwelling unit is defined by the 2021 IRC as a space that has separate areas for cooking, living, eating, sanitation and sleeping.

What is a Rescheck Certificate and how do I get one?

  • Effective April 7, 2025, the State of Maine adopted the 2021 Energy code. The Energy code says a new house needs to meet 3ACH50 or 3 air changes an hour at 50 pascals which is the measurement of pressure differential generated by a blower door test. That number is slowed by the amount of and how well a building envelope is insulated. The more insulation the tighter the house and more energy efficient the home will be.
  • ResCheck is a software program developed by the US dept of Energy and can be found here.

How much insulation do I need and where?

  • A thermal envelope needs to be completely sealed by insulation. For instance, if you have a full basement unfinished and unconditioned the insulation would need to be under the floor. If you finish the basement and heat/cool it, then you would have to insulate the walls instead. The amount or R-value needed in our climate (climate 6) can be found here

What is the cost of a building permit?

  • Cost varies as it’s based on square footage of the project. The amounts are as follows:
  • Concrete foundation or slab $0.25 sq ft
  • Living space per floor $0.25 sq ft + $30 flat fee
  • Deck/ porch/ garage/ shed/chicken coop/solar project, etc… $0.25 sq ft
  • Septic system (full) -$265.00
  • Internal plumbing $10.00 per fixture/ $40.00 minimum
  • Electrical New home -$58.00/mobile home $42.00
  • Other electrical work $25.00 minimum

When does someone need to come inspect my project?

  • Once the footer forms are placed.
  • Once the concrete forms are pulled off but before back-fill.
  • Once the radon pipe and vapor barrier have been installed.
  • Bottom of the septic bed, (scarification)
  • Once the septic tank is placed.
  • Once the leech field top of pipe has been installed but before burying.
  • Once rough-in framing/ plumbing/ electrical is complete.
  • Once insulation is installed.
  • If attached garage once the fireproofing is complete
  • If a masonry chimney is used once complete
  • Once your project is complete, BUT before moving in.
  • Occupancy Permit will be issued at completion.

I live next to the water what can I do in the shoreland zone?

  • Shoreland zoning can differ depending on the district you’re in and can be quite complicated and is best to contact the code office at 743-6651 to set up an in-person meeting.

I live next to the water how do I find out if my contractor is Department of Environmental Protection Certified to do the excavation work?

  • Access DEP database here

I live close to water how do I identify if I am in wetland/floodplain areas?

  • Access the DEP wetland map information Click Here
  • Access the FEMA floodplain map here: Click Here

I have an issue with my neighbor or landlord. How do I get help with my issue.

  • Complete this form as best as you can and submit to the code office. Please keep in mind that depending on the issue it can take some time to get resolution as there is a process that has to be followed.
  • To file a complaint online click here

I want to open a business here in town. What steps must I take?

  • Congratulations in wanting to invest in our town and help it grow. To start one must appear before the Planning Board. The Board meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at town hall in the community room at 7pm. To get on the agenda please call the code office at 743-6651 x3. Once on the agenda, you will pitch your idea to the Board, and they will ask questions then either ask for more information and return at a later date or vote to approve or deny the application. Upon approval, simply come into town hall and register the business with the Town Clerk and pay a fee of $10.

What code do I have to build a commercial building to?

  • Commercial buildings fall under the 2021 IBC, the International Building Code, which covers all buildings except the single and 2 family homes.

I’m a realtor. Where can I find my clients HHE-200 form?

  • HHE-200’s are filed with the state of Maine Sub Surface Waste-Water Division. You can find the database here.
  • As you search the best advice is less is more. Giving the first couple of letters of the name will yield better results than spelling the name out. Its possible it was listed by the contractor or developer. The database is maintained by the date permitted not the year installed. Also if trying to find a system its possible the road was renamed or listed as a fire lane. Sometimes the best results are town of Norway and hit search and sort the results for easier finding leaving everything else empty.

What codes are currently in effect?

  • 2021 IRC- International residence code. Single and 2 family homes
  • 2021 IBC – International Building code. Anything other than single family homes covered under IRC
  • 2021 UPC- Uniform Plumbing code with Maine updates
  • 2021 IMC- International Mechanical Code
  • 2021 IECC- International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2021 IEBC- International Existing Building Code
  • 2023 State of Maine Sub-Surface Wastewater Rules
  • NFPA1- Fire Code 2018
  • NFPA13- Sprinkler code 2016
  • NFPA31- Oil burning Equipment 2020
  • NFPA54- Fuel Gas Code 2021
  • NFPA58- Liquidefied Propane Gas Code 2020
  • NFPA 70 National Electric Code 2023
  • NFPA90A Installation of AC and Venting 2021
  • NFPA96- Ventilation of Commercial Cooking Appliances 2021
  • NFPA99 Health Care Facilities 2021
  • NFPA101 Life Safety 2021
  • NFPA211- Chimney & Fireplaces 2019
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