BIDDEFORD — The city of Biddeford’s Code Enforcement Department has enjoyed a record year and plans to continue its success into the new fiscal year.

The Code Enforcement Office is responsible for the administering and enforcement of all city ordinances, as well as adopted codes relating to building construction and property maintenance.

The office issues permits including those for building, plumbing and electrical work. Occupancy permits are also issued and required for anyone establishing a new business or attempting to occupy a newly constructed building.

Statistics for the most recent city budget year FY17 (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017) show:

• 562 permits issued

• $638,336.14 in building permit fees collected

• 489 electrical permits issued

• 489 electrical permits issued

• $65,530.49 in electrical permit fees collected

• 229 plumbing permits issued

• $25,261.25 in plumbing fees collected

In addition, the city of Biddeford has started an aggressive apartment inspection program to ensure all units are safe for tenants.

Unlike some other communities, Biddeford is not charging the apartment building owners for the inspections.

Since the inspection program began in 2016:

• 487 apartment buildings received notices

• 325 apartment buildings have been inspected

• 170 apartment buildings have received second notices