• Caribou Official Zoning Map
• Zone Definitions for Land Use Table
• Land Use Table as of June 2008
• Set Back Requirements Table
• Set Back Requirements Narrative
• Building/Use Permit Application
• Site Design Review Application
• Subdivision Review Application

Planning and Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Office issues all permits for all electrical, plumbing and building work done within the City. This office furnishes staff support to the Planning Board for all Site Review Requirements, Shoreland Zoning, Land Use, and Sub-division Applications.

Code Enforcement:
The City of Caribou has adopted the 1996 BOCA National Building Code into ordinance.

Caribou’s Building Code requires that a permit application be submitted to the code official for the following activities. To construct or alter a structure, being commercial or residential, including barns, garages, and additions to existing structures, steps, decks, storage sheds and swimming pools, or to place a modular/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 lines. A permit is not required for the direct replacement of exiting faucets, valves or fixtures, except hot water storage tanks and hot water heaters do require a permit when replaced.

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.5.

Steve Wentworth
Code Enforcement Officer

Building Inspector
Electrical Inspector
Plumbing Inspector
Housing Director

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