In association with the University of Maine, members of the Technical Building Codes and Standards Board, and other stakeholders, the Office of the State Fire Marshal commissioned a statewide survey through a FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant to better understand the needs, challenges, and priorities of code enforcement professionals across Maine.
The intent of the survey was to assess code enforcement capacity, identify barriers to effective implementation of building and energy codes, and better understand how code enforcement contributes to overall community resilience. During the presentation, State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler explained that the BRIC-funded project originated from an examination of fire service sustainability and evolved into a broader effort to evaluate the interconnected roles of code enforcement, hazard mitigation, emergency response, and public safety. The survey provides one of the first comprehensive statewide assessments of code enforcement practices, staffing conditions, and resilience-related challenges across the state.
Researchers from the University of Maine presented preliminary findings showing significant workforce and capacity challenges facing code enforcement offices throughout Maine. Results highlighted uneven enforcement of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), particularly in smaller municipalities where staffing limitations, financial constraints, and local resistance can impede implementation. The survey also revealed that many Code Enforcement Officers serve in multiple municipal roles beyond code enforcement, making them essential contributors to local governance, public education, conflict resolution, and community resilience. Researchers noted concerns about anticipated workforce turnover over the next five to ten years and identified opportunities for additional training, education, and statewide support to strengthen code enforcement capacity, improve consistency in enforcement practices, and enhance community resilience across Maine communities.