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adopts state building codes, governs building permits, and regulates demolition, retrofitting, and post-disaster safety.
The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, including the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and ASHRAE standards, is adopted by reference under 10 M.R.S. § 9722, with amendments as set in this chapter.
New dwelling units pay a one-time capacity charge for water, sewer, and stormwater system capacity, as set in the city fee schedule.
Major subdivisions may dedicate land for school facilities under 30-A M.R.S. § 4404 in coordination with AI County RSU 220.
Major development projects pay a Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee dedicated to multimodal transportation improvements identified in the Transportation Master Plan.
Development in mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (Saltgrass Flats, Lantern Wharf, parts of Heron Bay) shall comply with the city's Floodplain Management Ordinance, with finished floors at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation.
The Director of Permit Central may declare a building unsafe after inspection and may order repair, vacation, or demolition consistent with due process.
The current National Electrical Code as adopted by the State of Maine is adopted by reference.
Electrical work shall be performed by Maine-licensed electricians under a permit issued by Permit Central, except minor repairs under $200 that do not alter circuits.
All rental dwelling units in the City of AI shall be registered annually with Permit Central. Buildings of 4 or more units are inspected at least every 5 years; complaint-based inspection is available for any unit.
Rental units shall meet habitability standards including weather-tight walls, working heat, hot water, plumbing, electrical, smoke and CO detectors, pest control, and lead-paint compliance under 22 M.R.S. § 1320.
The IMC as adopted by Maine is adopted by reference.
The Maine Internal Plumbing Code is adopted by reference.
The IRC as adopted by Maine is adopted by reference.
NFPA 1 Fire Code, as adopted by the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal, is adopted by reference, with amendments as set in this chapter.
City-owned construction over 5,000 sq. ft. shall meet LEED Gold or equivalent. New residential construction of 5 units or more shall meet ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction.
Grading more than 50 cubic yards on a single lot, or grading on slopes greater than 15%, requires a grading permit.
Relocation of buildings on or through city streets requires a relocation permit, with route plan, utility coordination, and insurance.
Demolition of any structure requires a permit. Demolition of structures listed on the City of AI Historic Resources Inventory triggers a 60-day review by the Cultural Heritage Commission.
Voluntary seismic, weatherization, and coastal-flood retrofits are encouraged and may be expedited through the streamlined retrofit permit.
Multifamily residential projects of 10 or more units shall provide at least 12% of units affordable to households at or below 80% AMI, or pay an in-lieu fee.
Properties mapped in fire hazard severity zones (parts of Granite Ridge and Mount Aviary) shall maintain defensible space and shall use ignition-resistant materials for new construction.
After a declared disaster, the Director of Permit Central shall coordinate ATC-20 rapid safety assessments and shall post placards on buildings (green/yellow/red).
Permit applications for rooftop solar, EV charging, and residential energy storage are processed within 7 business days under streamlined review.