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1. When do I need a permit?

Permits are required for particular types of work. Learn more...

2. What is the purpose of a permit?

Applying for a permit allows the city to review the project for safety and compliance to federal, state and local codes. It also insures the project complies with the city's Land Use Code. Subsequent inspections help determine if the project is being completed to code and as designed.

3. How do I get a permit?

Submit an application and supporting documents to the Department of Building Safety, located on the second floor in City Hall. Sample permit forms and Plan requirements are available at the Permits Page.

4. What permits are required and how much does a permit cost?

Building permit fees are normally determined by the square footage of the project. Find out more...

5. Do I need a permit for a shed at my house?

A shed under 200 square feet does not require a building permit. Although, a Land Use Permit is required for any size shed. Therefore, a Building and Land Use application will need to be submitted with a Plot Plan showing where the proposed shed will be located. If you do not have a Plot plan, one may be obtained from the property file at the Building Safety Department.

6. Do I need to be licensed to do work?

The State of New Hampshire requires a license of the person engaging in the business of either plumbing or electrical. Effective January 1, 2008 a NH Gas Fitter License will be required to install any gas piping or gas fired equipment.

7. What codes does Nashua use?

Per House Bill (HB) 562, NH adopted the 2015 ICC codes with State amendments and the 2017
NEC effective September 15, 2019.

Read more...

8. When were these codes adopted and what were your previous codes?

View Code Adoption Dates and Ordinances.

9. What are the structural loads for Nashua?

Learn the snow loads, wind load, seismic load, frost line, and rainfall intensity for the city by viewing the load resource.

10. Do I need a permit to re-roof my home?

A permit to re-roof your home (1 and 2-family residences) is not required, although you are required to follow the Building Code. The code allows you to go over the existing shingles provided you only have one layer of shingles on the roof currently. If you are going to strip the roof, you must use water and ice shield on the first 3' of the roof and a minimum of 15# felt paper under the shingles on the remaining roof.

Other than applying asphalt roofing shingles, commercial properties and residential homes above a 1 and 2- family unit building require a permit. Again, you will need to follow the Building Code. A letter from a structural engineer stating the existing roof structure can support the new roofing design is required. Further questions relating to roofs on commercial properties should be directed to the Building Inspector or Plans Examiner.

11. When will my permit be ready?

We will contact you when the permit is ready or if we have any questions or problems with your application. Approval time depends on the size, type and complexity of the project. Normally a small residential project may only take a few days where a large commercial project could take 2 to 3 weeks. You do not have a permit upon submitting the application and payment.

If you have a building permit application, your trade permits (electrical, plumbing and mechanical) cannot be issued until after your building permit has been issued. Certain residential permits are issued while you wait.

12. How do I set up an inspection and can I schedule a time?

To schedule an inspection call The Building Safety Department one business day in advance. Please have your project number, address and the type of inspection you want scheduled. For a list of inspections, see the Inspections Required document.

We do not schedule inspection times, but you may call the inspector the morning of the inspection and inquire as to the estimated time of day he may arrive at your address. Typically the inspectors are in the office between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Inspections Required Document (PDF)

13. What do I need for a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?

Residential projects require final approvals from the building inspectors and in some cases, approval from the Department of Public Works (DPW) and Engineering. Commercial projects require final approvals from the building inspectors, Planning and Zoning, Fire Marshal, and in some cases DPW Engineering and Health Department. Please see Inspections Required (PDF).

14. Can I get a refund?

When a permit has either been revoked or a project discontinued or abandoned within 6 months of the issuance of the permit, the permit may be returned to the Building Official for cancellation. If a project is abandoned without notice being made to the Building Official before a 6-month interval has elapsed since the date the permit was issued, no refund will be made. The application fee of your permit is non-refundable and only one-half of the permit fee shall be refunded, providing no work has been done on that permit. A brief written letter stating you would like a refund should be given to the Department of Building Safety, along with the location of the work and the permit number. Your refund, as allowed to by ordinance, will be mailed to you.

15. What is your policy on After-the-Fact Permits?

View our policy on After-the-fact Permits (PDF).