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1. When do I need to obtain a building permit?

See Work Requiring a Permit page.

2. Do I need to obtain a building permit if I’m just repairing my house?

Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures that follow certain guidelines. For more information, visit our House Repairs and Non-Permit Work page.

3. How do I obtain a Building Permit?

Building permit applications are available from the front desk in the Building Department or here on the website. In addition to a completed application for each project there are specific requirements for information needed to process permit applications. For more information, see our Obtaining a Building Permit page.

4. How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

The staff makes every effort to approve plans as quickly as possible; many factors enter into the length of time a permit application takes. Accuracy and completeness of information have a major affect on application review time, as well as the fluctuations in the seasonal workload.

Permit applications with incomplete or missing information will only delay the approval process. Good project planning is the best way to assure your permit will be ready when you are. Permit applications are valid for 6 months so there are no restrictions against applying for a permit months in advance of your project. Since permit fees are not due until the permit is actually issued your only cost in applying is your time.


Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are issued “over the counter” if the work is not part of a project that requires a building permit. When a building permit is required for a project the accompanying systems permits will not be issued until the building permit has been issued.

5. When do I have to go to the Historic District Commission (HDC)?

Only projects which lay within the Historic District Zoning Areas and involve new construction or additions to existing structures and any changes that affect the exterior of a building or property features. For the full text, see our Historic District Commission Regulations (PDF).

6. How do I know if my property is in the Historic District?

To find out if your property is in the Historic District, view the district map (PDF).

7. How far from the property line do I have to be?

Find structure setback requirements for residential building lots on our Setback Requirements page.

8. What is a structure?

Per Article 45-2 of the Zoning Ordinance a structure is defined as "A combination of materials for occupancy or use, such as a building, bridge, trestle, tower, framework, tank, tunnel, tent, platform, shelter, pier, wharf, bin, sign, fences and retaining walls over 6 feet in height, swimming pools, sports courts, or the like."

9. Is a Homeowner allowed to do electric work?

Homeowners are allowed to do electric work in their primary residence. Unlicensed individuals are not allowed to do electrical work on property, which they do not own or they are not actually living in.

10. Is a Homeowner allowed to do plumbing?

Homeowners are allowed to perform minor plumbing repairs such as repairing faucets, replacing showerheads, install new sinks in old locations or similar repairs. If the work involves installing new drain waste and vent and/or potable water piping for new locations, a licensed plumber is required to perform the work. Work on hydronic heating systems is not considered plumbing for our purposes.

11. Do I need a permit for a shed on blocks?

Yes, a permit is required because sheds that sit on blocks or floating slabs are considered structures even though they do not have a "permanent" foundation. Sheds larger than 200 square feet in area must have supports that extend below the frost line for our part of the country (48 inches).

12. Where are my Septic Plans?

Records for your property are kept in the property files at the Building Dept located at 55 Constitution Dr.  Approved septic plans were not required by New Hampshire until the mid 1970's. If there are any records of those early approved systems your only chance of finding them would be to request a search of the records kept by the NH Department of Environmental Services - Subsurface division.

You need to look at your property file and see if it contains a copy of the original septic plan or if the system has been updated or changed from the original design. If your system has been repaired by way of "in-kind" permit then a copy of that permit will be in the file. If you have been told it has been replaced or repaired and there is no record in the file of the repair or replacement, the department will not verify this unless supporting documentation can be provided to the town.

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

13. I don't see an answer to my question. What do I do?

Should you not find what you are looking for please contact Matthew Lavoie with your inquiry.

Wayne Richardson.