The Division of Building Codes and Standards (DBCS) was created to provide administrative and technical support to the Technical Building Codes and Standards Board. Provide education for Code Officials, Contractors and Design Professionals while increasing code information availability and enforcement uniformity. Guidance to help streamline processes and accelerate construction timelines through code enforcement education and capacity building. Leveraging building codes to assist Mainers increase the resiliency of their existing homes and businesses in the occurrence of climate disasters, while expanding energy and cost efficiency.
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February 19, 2026 - Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities (BRIC) Survey Presentation September 24, 2025 - The Division of Building Codes and Standards moved to the Maine Office of Community Affairs. Please direct your questions to: Codes.MOCA@maine.gov |
Why are Building Codes important?
Building codes establish minimum standards that protect life safety, public health, and property by ensuring buildings are structurally sound, resistant to fire and environmental hazards. They promote disaster resilience by incorporating lessons from past events, provide consistency and predictability for construction professionals, and serve as a form of consumer protection for owners tenants and visitors.
Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code
The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) is the minimum standard that applies to most building construction within the State of Maine. It includes construction codes for new and existing residential and commercial buildings. The codes and standards provide criteria for meeting energy efficiency goals and healthy indoor quality practices.
Enforcement
All municipalities with a population greater than 4,000 are required, by statute, to enforce the MUBEC. Municipalities with a population under 4,000 may choose to enforce the MUBEC. Remember, compliance with the MUBEC is mandatory and the responsibility of the owner, regardless of whether a building is located in a municipality that enforces the MUBEC. Municipalities
What editions of these codes and standards has Maine adopted?
The Technical Building Codes and Standards Board is required by statute (Title 10 MRS Section 9721 et seq.) to periodically update and amend the codes and standards that comprise the MUBEC, and to ensure that each code or standard adopted is either the most recent edition or the edition previous to the most recent edition of that code or standard. The current code editions and amendments are listed in the MUBEC Rules, Chapters 2-8. The Rules can be found here: Laws and Rules
Are there any other rules that may apply?
Yes. Maine’s plumbing code and electrical code, along with other building-related codes, can be found at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (PFR). Maine’s Fire Code (NFPA 1) and Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) along with other Fire and Life Safety standards can be found at the Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO). Keep in mind, these National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes are laws. Failure to comply with any adopted NFPA code is a crime.
Not what you’re looking for? Email info.moca@maine.gov or call the MOCA phone line and we’ll connect you with what you need.