Frequently Asked Questions

Mechanical, Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical permits are all a flat fee of $50.

Building permit fees are based on square footage at the following rates:

Finished Area - $0.30 per square foot
Unfinished Area - $0.25 per square foot
Commercial / Industrial Area - $0.30

Minimum permit fee is $30

Renewals are $60

Please note that fees are doubled for After-The-Fact (ATF) permits (permits for work which has already been started or completed prior to the issuance of a building permit). 

Fees are not due until permit has been approved.

A permit is required:

• if building or modification to an existing structure(s) changes the footprint of that building(s);
• if applicable building codes require an inspection of any work to be done in, on or to a new or existing structure; and,
• if building or other construction affects the assessed value of any structure on the property.

Some small maintenance and repair work on an existing structure may not require a building permit. Please call the office for clarification.

Once a complete building permit application is submitted, which includes all requested information, it will take between 2 weeks and 30 days to process.

 The property owner or contractor (whoever has signed as agent) will be contacted by email informing them that the building permit has been approved, the total fee that is due, and that it can be picked up in the Land Use Office.

Mechanical, Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical permits submitted with payment and a copy of the relevant state issued license, are generally issued same day.

Inspections are scheduled Monday through Thursday, starting after 9 am. You or your designee will need to call the office to request an inspection, at 603-476-2347. This can be done weekdays between the hours of 7:30 and 11:30 am. If at all possible, please schedule your inspection 24 hours in advance. If time allows, the inspection will be scheduled the same day. Requests for inspections made after 11:30 am will generally be scheduled for the next business day.

You will be asked: 1) Street address of the project, 2) the type of inspection needed, 3) and the contact person's name, 4) and telephone number.

Inspection times will depend on the schedule for that day and specific times can't be guaranteed. If needed, the Code and Compliance Officer will try to call the contact person with an approximate time. If an inspection is done without anyone being present, the Code and Compliance Officer will leave a yellow inspection sticker to indicate the inspection passed. If there are deficiencies in the work inspected, the contact person will be notified.

At present there are four licenses required in building a home, Electrical, Plumbing, Septic and Mechanical (Gas). There are exceptions to some of these requirements for the homeowner only. If you call the office we will be happy to explain this further

You need a Demolition Permit when:

• Any structures that would generally require a permit will be razed or removed from a lot.
• An addition or renovation to a building requires a substantial amount of demolition

You do not need a Demolition Permit when:

• Minor accessory structures such as sheds and small garages that do not contain utilities with separate connections or basement-type foundations are removed
• Decks, porches and other similar appurtenances to structures are removed, where the intent is to remove and rebuild
• Minor interior demolition to structures occurs where the intent is to change or renovate

Requirements before a Demolition Permit is issued:

• A completed Demolition Permit application; this application form is in addition to a Building Permit application for any new construction. The fee for a Demolition Permit is $30.
• Proof that any necessary asbestos inspections have taken place (as required by the state of NH), and:
• If asbestos has been found, proof that it has been disposed of properly according to State guidelines.
• Proof that utilities have been cut off as per the requirements of building code and Utility Companies must be submitted.
• A successfully completed and inspected Plumbing Permit for Septic or Sewer Cap-off where applicable (this is a separate permit application)

Important Note: Demolition of a structure that is non-conforming per the Zoning Code (for instance, one that currently is located less than 50 feet from the lake) may result in the new structure being required to fully comply with the current Zoning Ordinance. Please contact the Land Use office with any questions regarding rights to rebuild on your lot.

A building permit is good for one year after issuance, and one year after the issuance of each subsequent renewal.

Renewals cost $60.

Yes, most signs require a permit that is approved by the Code Enforcement Officer. Please call the Code Officer to find out if you need one or if you're exempt.