Frequently Asked Questions

The Town of Warren currently follows the Model Housing Code, adopted by the Town on March 16, 1970. The Model Housing Code provides basic information regarding habitability requirements for new housing and rentals and provides guidance on maintenance of said properties. The State of Maine does have a formal set of building codes, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), however the town is currently not required to enforce it. The Town does recommend that residents and builders alike build to current MUBEC standards, however it is optional at this point in time.

Before beginning any building project, we do recommend to reach out to the Code and Planning Department to see if there have been any changes made to the Town's building code to ensure that your project will not have any unintended code violations.

The Town of Warren does require building and plumbing permits in most cases. There are a few exceptions:

• Accessory buildings under 100sqft
• Roofing
• Cosmetic repairs (painting, flooring, etc)
• Window replacement - new or expanded window openings would require a permit
• Clearing stoppages and blocks in plumbing waste or vent pipes

To apply for a building or plumbing permit, please stop by the town office and pick up an application. You can also print off a building permit application or a plumbing permit application. Once you have the application filled out you can drop it off at the town office, mail in a copy, or email it to the Code Enforcement Officer (ceo@warrenmaine.org) for processing. Once the permit has been processed and issued, the CEO will notify you by email or phone that the permit is ready for pickup and the cost of the permit. Permits must be picked up and paid for within 2 weeks of the date of issue or they will be revoked and you will need to reapply for your project.

To apply for a septic permit, you must first obtain a septic design from a licensed Site Evaluator. The site evaluator will schedule a time to come to your home and discuss your specific needs and will then plot out where a system would work based on the current Subsurface Wastewater rules governed by the state of Maine. There is a fee to hire a site evaluator and the price can range anywhere from $800-$1000 or more depending on your specific needs and site. Once you have an approved design which will be on the HHE-200 form, you complete the owner information and sign and drop it off at the town office. The Code Enforcement Officer will review the plan as well as details about your home and will then issue a permit. Fees for the permit will vary depending on your specific needs and situation.

Whether you wish to start a new commercial enterprise, or a home based business for your crafts, starting a business in Warren requires Planning Board approval. The Planning Board approval process can vary depending on the type of business and the location. The Planning Board works to ensure that new business ventures fit well within our community and do not adversely impact areas of interest or conservation. They strive to set aside personal opinion and instead focus on fair and equitable decisions based on town ordinances. For specifics on your new business venture and how to apply, please contact the Town Planner, Dan DeBoard (planner@warrenmaine.org) or the Code Enforcement Officer, Steven Day (ceo@warrenmaine.org) to discuss your project. Both can be reached by phone at (207) 273-2421.

Alterations include structural modifications to a home or room, such as opening a wall to an adjacent room or framing in a space in an existing room that fundamentally alters the space or spaces. Structural modifications can be on load-bearing and non-load bearing walls.