Code Enforcement

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the code enforcement office is to ensure that any proposed, new, or ongoing construction taking place within the city of Waterville complies with all demolition, zoning, land use, structural, plumbing, and electrical requirements at the Municipal, State, and Federal level.

The City of Waterville's Code Enforcement Office is responsible for ensuring that all construction undertaken in the City adheres to applicable building codes. The City has adopted standard state and federal codes to maintain safe building practices. City inspections must be completed at certain stages of construction projects, as noted on applicable permits and permit applications.

The code enforcement office has no jurisdiction or certification and is not trained to recognize tenants' rights violations, act against them, or give advice to someone whom suspects that their rights have been violated. If a tenant feels that their rights have been violated, they have the right to contact an attorney and discuss the matter with them.

The code enforcement office does not inspect existing buildings for perceived or suspected violations unless a renovation within that building is taking place. Code requirements change regularly, and it is not the responsibility of property owners to update their buildings to reflect the latest changes, every time the codes are updated.

Please note: The Code Enforcement Office is not able to provide legal advice in civil matters. This includes property boundary disputes tenant-landlord disputes and evictions.

The Code Enforcement Office is tasked with enforcing uniform building standards across the city, to protect the properties of Waterville residents by helping to maintain and increase property values. The Code Enforcement Office reminds property owners of their responsibility to maintain their property to the minimum standards set by the City of Waterville Property Maintenance Ordinance. To this end, the Code Enforcement office investigates violations and enforces City Ordinances in a fair and equitable manner without prejudice or bias.

Any questions regarding the Property Maintenance Ordinance should be directed to Code Enforcement. Anyone wishing to file a complaint regarding the City of Waterville Property Maintenance Ordinance will need to call or email the Code Enforcement Officer to schedule an appointment to fill out a complaint form. They will also need to bring a picture, or cell phone picture of the offense.

Any questions or issues regarding permitting, or inspections for zoning, construction, plumbing, or electrical work should be forwarded to the Code Enforcement Officer.

The City of Waterville has adopted the following codes

  • 2015 Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code
  • State of Maine Plumbing Code
  • 2017 National Electrical Code
  • NFPA 101 Life Safety Code - Current Edition Adopted by the State of Maine

Zoning Regulations

It would be impossible to accurately list the various projects and uses that would be allowed in the various zones in the City of Waterville on this page. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals contact the Code Office for more accurate information.