General Contractors are not regulated or licensed at the state-level in New Hampshire. The regulation of the construction industry in the State of New Hampshire is in the hands of the local government. Before beginning work on a construction project, it is the responsibility of the contractor to check with their local county or city ordinances for contracting. Many cities in New Hampshire require contractors to obtain a building permit, or ensure that the homeowner has secured the proper building permits before the start of a project.
Below are the building permit regulations for some of the larger cities in the State of New Hampshire.
*The State of New Hampshire handles the licensing of Electrical, Plumbing and Asbestos Abatement Contractors at the state-level. These contractors are required to obtain a license from the state before beginning work on a construction project.
Manchester, NH
Contractors working in the City of Manchester, New Hampshire must obtain a building permit, or ensure that they are working under a homeowner’s building permit before beginning a construction project. Building permits are issued by the Manchester Building Department, located inside City Hall. Permit applications are not available online. Contractors must call, email, or visit the Building Department in-person to obtain an application.
When working on a residential project, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to secure a building permit, however, it is important that contractors be aware of building permit laws, and protect themselves, and their business, by ensuring that the proper permits are secured at the start of a project.
A building permit is required for the following types of work in the City of Manchester:
- Construction
- Re-construction
- Demolition
- Alterations
- Conversions
- Additions
It is also important to note that many outdoor projects require a building permit, along with a plot plan that shows the existing and proposed structures on the site. Plans must be drawn accurately and to scale. Building permits are also required to build, repair or replace:
- Decks and Porches
- Sheds
- Pools
- Windows and Siding
- Roofing
- Pavement
In this case, applicants must submit detailed construction plans, along with a list of materials that the contractor plans to use. For more information on the types of permits offered and examples of the construction documents, please visit:
The cost to obtain a building permit depends on the size of the project and the types of work being done. The minimum permit fee is $35. Applicants must also pay a $25 application fee.
It takes approximately 3 to 5 business days for the Building Department to issue a permit for smaller projects. However, larger commercial projects may take as long as 7 to 10 business days. Permits are good for a period of 1 year. It is also important to note that once the permit is issued, work must begin within 6 months of issuance.
For more information on obtaining a building permit in the City of Manchester, New Hampshire, or to obtain an application, please call or visit the Manchester Building Department at:
One City Hall Plaza
West Wing
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone Number: 603-624-6450
Email: PCD@ManchesterNH.gov
OR
Visit: http://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/Building/FAQs
Portsmouth, NH
Contractors in the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire must obtain a building permit from the City Code Official of the Inspection Department before starting work on a construction project. Applications are available at the Inspection Department office, located at:
1 Junkins Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
OR
Online at: http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/Inspection/permitappforms.htm
A building permit is required for all types of construction work and general renovations in the City of Portsmouth. It is important to note that the Inspection Department defines general renovations as any work which changes or alters the overall size of the building, or portions of the building. This also goes for adding or expanding rooms and spaces that were not part of the original building.
In addition to submitting an application, contractors must submit plans and sketches that accurately depict the type of work they plan to perform. A site plan is also needed, which shows other buildings and structures on site. Plans must be drawn to scale. Contractors must also submit a floor plan which shows any additions to the building.
The code official reviews the contractor’s plans to ensure that they are in compliance with codes and ordinances in the City of Portsmouth. In some cases, the code official may request that the contractor submit section view or engineering plans, depending on the size and scope of the project.
To view instructions for filling out the application, please visit:
http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/Inspection/pdf/instructions-permits.pdf
The minimum cost to obtain a building permit is $50. Fees are then calculated based on the inspections needed and the size of the project. All fees are rounded up to the nearest $5.00. To view a schedule of fees, please visit:
http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/Inspection/fee.htm
Depending on the Department’s current workload, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the permit to be issued.
For more information about obtaining a building permit in the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, please call the Inspection Department at:
603-610-7243
OR
Visit the following websites:
http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/Inspection/index.htm
http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/Inspection/faq.htm
Concord, NH
Contractors working in the City of Concord, New Hampshire are responsible for ensuring that they are working under the proper building permits for their project. Permits are issued by the City of Concord Code Administration. For a copy of the application, please visit:
http://www.concordnh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2251
It is recommended that contractors also familiarize themselves with the Construction Standards and Details for the City of Concord:
http://www.concordnh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1846
A building permit is required for any project which involves the construction, demolition or re-location of a building or structure. The following information is required to complete and application:
- Project Address
- Zoning District
- Lot Size
- Description of Work
- Estimated Cost of the Project
*Please note that all project cost estimations must include the cost of labor and services, materials and equipment needed to complete the project.
In addition to submitting an application, all building permit applicants must submit a set of plot plans, drawn to scale. Plot plans are required for all project types, except for interior renovations. Plot plans must show the following:
- Location of existing buildings and structures
- Property boundaries
- Paved Areas (if applicable)
- Wetlands (if applicable)
- All proposed buildings and structures
The Code Administration will review the application and plot plans to ensure that all proposed work is in compliance with codes and ordinances for construction in the City of Concord.
The cost to obtain a building permit is calculated at $7.55 per $1,000 of the estimated project cost; AND 8 cents per square foot of gross floor area, calculated from the outside walls on each floor of the building or structure. There is also a non-refundable $20 application fee. To view the building permit fee schedule, please visit:
http://nh-concord.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1430
For more information on obtaining a building permit in the City of Concord, New Hampshire, please call or visit the Code Administration, located at:
City Hall Annex
37 Green Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone Number: 603-225-8580
OR
Visit: http://www.concordnh.gov/index.aspx?NID=326
Nashua, NH
The Department of Building Safety regulates construction in the City of Nashua, New Hampshire by requiring all contractors to obtain a building permit for their projects. While a permit is not needed for contractors engaged in basic repairs, a permit is required in order to participate in:
- Construction
- Demolition
- Building Alteration
- Building Re-location
- Changes of Occupancy
- Alterations of Equipment (regulated by code)
Please note other types of work where a building permit is required:
- Cutting away a wall or partition, in its entirety or only a section
- Rearrangement of a building or structure
- Removal of structural or support beams
- Alteration of any building systems, such as plumbing, heating, electrical or septic
For a copy of the application, please visit:
The Building Safety Department reviews applications and project plans to ensure that they follow local codes, such as the Nashua Land Use Code, as well as state and federal building and construction codes. They also handle inspections once the permit is issued.
The cost to obtain a building permit is based on the type of work and square footage of the project. There is a $25 application fee and a $25 fee so the project can undergo a Land Use review and ensure that the project follows the city’s Land Use Code.
Once the application is approved, the City of Nashua will issue the permit. It takes between 2 and 3 days to obtain a permit for a small residential project. Application processing for a larger commercial project can take between 2 to 3 weeks.
For more information on obtaining a building permit in the City of Nashua, New Hampshire, please call or visit the Building Safety Department, located in the Community Development Division at:
City Hall
229 Main Street
2nd Floor
Nashua, NH 03060
Phone Number: 603-589-3080
Email: collinsm@nashua.gov OR mckinneyw@nashua.gov
OR
Visit: Nashua Building Permit FAQ