Residential and Commercial Improvements Requires Permits in Most Cases
All too often in most communities, people who are undertaking home improvements either by themselves or through a contractor fail to realize they need a permit from the Town where the property resides in to undertake the work. That is the case in Kittery. We have a lot of weekend warriors, seasonal property owners and citizens including contractors who may not be in compliance with the below Town Ordinance because they do not realize they need a permit to do the work on their property. It is best to call the Code Enforcement Office at 439- 6807 to discuss the need for a permit than to be fined and embarrassed for not having a permit for the work. Finally, be sure to place the permit in a window or location that can be seen by the Code Enforcement Officer. So play it smart and call
ahead to discuss your upcoming property improvements.
BUILDING/REGULATED ACTIVITY PERMITS
16.20.010 Purpose.
Building/regulated activity permits and certificates of occupancy are required to control development in Kittery to insure that such development conforms to this code. This chapter outlines the requirements of this process. (Land use and dev. code § 5.1, 1994)
16.20.020 Requirements.
A. Permit. No building, including municipal buildings, or structure shall be erected, moved, added to or otherwise structurally altered and no regulated activity shall commence without a permit therefore, issued by the code enforcement officer and in compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements.
B. Conformity. No building/regulated activity permit shall be issued except in conformity with this title, except after written order of the zoning board of appeals.
C. Permit Records. The CEO shall maintain a public record of all building/regulated activity permits and applications thereof.
D. Permit Period. A permit for which no substantial work has been commenced within six months from date of issue shall expire. A permit for which work is not substantially complete within two years from date of issue shall expire. Expired permits may be renewed upon application and payment of a renewal fee.
E. Permit Threshold. A permit shall be required if the activity triggers any of the following thresholds as determined by the code enforcement officer:
1. The fair market value of the work is greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00);
2. Involves changes to electric, plumbing or septic systems;
3. Results in an increase in coverage;
4. Construction of a building or expansion of a structure;
5. Involves a structural alteration;
6. Involves a change in use or new business occupancy;
7. The erection or expansion of signage;
8. The installation or expansion of piers and docks; and
9. Involves an activity that requires inspection by the CEO to determine compliance with this title. (Land use and dev. code § 5.2, 1994)
For More Information on Building Permits, please call 475-1305.
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