The Code Enforcement Office issues all permits for all electrical, plumbing and building work done within Caribou. This office furnishes staff support to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals for all Land Use and Development Review Requirements.

Code Enforcement: The City of Caribou enforces the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, Maine Plumbing Code and the National Electrical Code. Caribou has a Land Use Ordinance for Zoning and a Property Maintenance Code. Electrical Permits and Plumbing Permits are required prior to any work being installed.

Caribou’s Building Code requires that a permit application and plans be submitted to the code official for review and approval prior to the start of construction. The following activities require permits: To construct, alter or repair any structure, being commercial or residential, including barns, garages, and additions to existing structures, steps, decks and storage sheds larger than 120 square feet or to place a modular or mobile home in Caribou. A demolition permit is required to remove an existing building. A use permit is required for any change of use. Compliance inspections and approval are required. A structure may not be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued stating that the occupancy is in compliance with current Building & Life Safety Codes.

A permit is not required for ordinary repairs to structures such as replacement of siding, roofing, windows or doors. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall or cutting of any structural beam or load bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress.

The Maine State Plumbing Code requires a permit for the installation or repair of water distribution lines or drain, waste and vent lines. A permit is not required for the replacement of exiting faucets, valves or fixtures, except hot water storage tanks and hot water heaters do require a permit when replaced.

Central heating systems and freestanding pellet or woodstoves do require permits prior to installation. All appliances require UL Listing.

If you have any question as to whether or not your project requires a permit, please call the Housing & Code Enforcement Office @ 493-4234 ext.6.

Steve Wentworth:
Building Official
Electrical Inspector
Local Plumbing Inspector
Code Enforcement Officer

Section 8 Housing

The Caribou Housing Agency was started in July 1977.

The purpose of this Agency is to administer the City of Caribou Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and other HUD Housing Programs in accordance with Federal guidelines in order to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to Very Low-Income families including the Elderly and Handicapped.

The City of Caribou will constantly strive to provide a Community and Housing Program that is economically, culturally, and socially inviting.

Local Objectives

The Section 8 Program is designed to achieve these major objectives:

• To provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for very low-income families while maintaining their rent payments at an affordable level.
  
  
• To ensure that all units meet Housing Quality Standards and families of all ethnic backgrounds to experience freedom of housing choice.

• To assist the local economy by increasing the occupancy rate and the amount of money flowing into the economy.
  
  
• To encourage self-sufficiency of participant families and assist in the expansion of family opportunities which address educational, socio-economic, recreational, and other human services needs.
  
  
• To create positive public awareness and expand the level of family, owner, and community support in accomplishing the Housing Agency's mission.
• To attain and maintain a high level of standards and professionalism in our day-to-day management of all program components.
  
  
• To administer an efficient, high-performing agency through continuous improvement of the Housing Agency's support system and commitment to our employees and their development.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)
FSS Application
Section 8 Homeownership Program
Homeownershop Application
Economic Development & Supportive Services Grant (EDSS)

Stephen Wentworth, Executive Director

Stephen Wentworth, Code Enforcement Officer