Maine

Residential

On April 24, 2008, the passed the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, establishing the 2009 versions of the IECC, IBC, IRC, IEBC, and ASHRAE 90.1 as the mandatory building code standards for residential and commercial buildings statewide. This statute provides express limitations on municipal home rule authority.

Beginning on July 1, 2010, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code must be enforced in municipalities that have more than 2,000 residents and that have adopted any building code by August 1, 2008.

Beginning July 1, 2012, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code must be enforced in municipalities that have more than 2,000 residents and that have not adopted any building code by August 1, 2008. Communities smaller than 2,000 residents are exempt.

Commercial

Maine currently has a mandatory commercial code: 2003 IECC or ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004.

Beginning on July 1, 2010, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (based on 2009 versions of the IRC, IBC, IECC, IEBC, and ASHRAE 90.1) must be enforced in municipalities that have more than 2,000 residents and that have adopted any building code by August 1, 2008.

Beginning on July 1, 2010, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code must be enforced in municipalities that have more than 2,000 residents and that have adopted any building code by August 1, 2008.  Communities smaller than 2,000 residents are exempt.
 

Code adoptions and amendments originate from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC issues a final provisional rule and the order approving the rule through the PUC's rulemaking process. This also means that the legislature must approve its final version. The next step is the drafting of a bill that adopts the provisional rule. The rule must be approved by the Attorney General’s office before it continues to the Utilities and Energy Committee followed by a public hearing. Comments are submitted in writing or in person. The Committee, and ultimately the full legislature, revises the rule, accepts it as is, or rejects it completely.

Residential

No plan reviews or permits are required. Residential building contractors must sign a contract for any work over $1,400. One provision of the contract addresses whether the building complies with the minimum energy efficiency standards. No notifications or compliance documents are submitted to the state.

Commercial

No plan reviews or permits are required. All commercial construction must be designed by an architect or engineer, and it is suggested that local code officials look for certification of compliance. Prior to installing permanent electrical service, the owner or the owner's legal agent must certify that the building complies with the energy standards.

COMcheck may be used to demonstrate compliance

City Wide Program:
Portland, Maine.
City Council Resolution, 2009

Program Description:
All new construction and renovation municipal projects over 5,000 ft2 and costing more than $250,000 and all new construction and renovation projects funded by the City over 10,000 ft2 that cost more than $250,000 must achieve LEED Silver certification.

Energy Standard:
Commercial LEED Certification:  below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power.  

City Wide Program:
Bangor, Maine.
Green Building  Policy, 2007

Program Description:
All new construction and major renovation projects to be owned, occupied, or funded in whole or in part by the City of Bangor that are 5,000 ft2 in floor area or greater shall be certified to the USGBC's LEED Standards at the most appropriate level.  For purposes of this policy, any renovation project estimated to cost twenty-five percent or more of the current value of the structure to be renovated shall constitute a major renovation project.

Those less than 5,000 square feet will meet the Maine State Housing Authority Green Building Standards.

Energy Standard:
Maine State Housing Authority Green Building Standards: Mandatory: sealed thermal envelope, thermal envelope insulated to Chapter 4 of the 2004 IECC or current State Code (whichever is greater), no pipes or ducts in outside walls, efficient windows, Energy Star appliances and lighting, no recessed lighting, automatic lighting controls.     Commercial LEED Certification:  below is summarized from LEED NC, details vary according to certification program. Mandatory: minimum 10% compliance beyond ASHRAE 90.1-2007, or use of NBI's Core Performance or one of ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guidelines. LEED options include: optimize energy performance, on-site renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, enhanced refrigerant management, measurement & verification, and green power.