Code Enforcement


The Code Enforcement Office is the key contact point for projects in Rangeley that involve the Planning Department. It is responsible for accepting all permit applications which may be under this jurisdiction, including referral to the proper reviewing authority.

  1. Rangeley Residential Code Requirements
  2. Residential Code Diagram

OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

May 22, 2025

RE: Chapter 12 Moorings amendment approved by Town Meeting June 11, 2024

To: Municipality of Rangeley Shoreland Waterfront Owners

From: Rangeley Code Enforcement

The summer season is fast approaching, and with it comes time for shoreland waterfront owners to assemble their docks and tune their boats in preparation to move them back into the lake. While most boats will be secured to docks, others will be tethered to moorings anchored to the lakebed. Almost a year ago, the town approved an amendment to the 2005 mooring ordinance that clarifies how moorings are to be managed. We encourage you to visit the Town website and review Chapter 12 "Moorings".

Each water-front owner will be eligible for one (l) mooring for every 50 ft of owned shoreland. You may apply for your mooring permit through the Town website or pick up an application at the town office. Only one boat per mooring is allowed. Following State Law, the buoys must be a white sphere with a blue stripe above the waterline. They must be secured using a helical/mushroom/block-based anchor. You may purchase the mooring floats locally or in most marine shops in the State of Maine. Upon receiving approval for a mooring permit from Code Enforcement, you will be assigned a number that will be placed on the mooring float in 3-inch black lettering (also a State Law).

The mooring permits will be good for three years and renewable at the end of the permit for another three years. The initial cost per mooring will be $150 plus processing for a total of $210. Renewal fees will be $150. It is the duty of the Code Enforcement Office to remove neglected, abandoned or unauthorized moorings including, but not limited to, unpaid fees and wrong locations. Please visit the Town website to complete your mooring permit at the link 

Town-of-Rangeley-Mooring-Application

Best wishes for a sunny, enjoyable summer of 2025,

Breck Parker, Code Enforcement Officer

Karl Kolze, Deputy Code Enforcement Officer

What Requires a Permit

A building permit is required for any new structure, additions to an existing structure, and many alterations to existing structures.  Sheds not attached to a structure that are less than 200 square feet in area, are exempt.  Permits are also required for some non-structural projects, including but not limited to:
  • Change of use
  • Demolition
  • Docks
  • Entrances (driveways)
  • Signs
  • Recreational vehicles
The Land Use Table shown in the zoning ordinances for the Town of Rangeley, Chapter 38, can inform about what uses may be allowable in the zoning district where a project is proposed.  Found under the Government tab, the Town Code is viewable online.  Zoning districts are defined within the zoning ordinances and their areas determined by the Official Zoning Map.
 

Building Permits

Building permits are issued to authorize the start of a construction project if an application demonstrates that the proposal will be in compliance with the Rangeley Town Code, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, as well as other applicable state and/or federal regulations. Inspections are performed to ensure that work is done as approved. The issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the last step in this process, occurs after a final inspection shows that the project has been completed as permitted. Additional permits may be required on an individual basis..

Cost of a Permit

Permit fees are based on the use and square footage of the proposed project, excepting alterations where fees are calculated at a percentage rate of the value of construction. For a complete fee schedule please visit the Planning Department page.