How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Gorham, NH?

1. Download the Building Permit Application form from the Gorham Building and Code Enforcement page. 2. Complete all sections: owner/applicant info, contractor info, project description, project type, estimated cost, square footage. 3. Attach required supplemental approvals as applicable: NH Energy Code EC-1 form for new construction and additions over 150 sq. ft.; NHDES septic approval for new residences, bedroom increases, or change of use; driveway permit if connecting to town road; site plan review approval for projects other than single-family homes; FEMA documentation if in flood zone; current-use documentation if applicable. 4. Submit application with fee to Town Hall. No refunds once submitted. 5. Residential applications are reviewed within 3 days; commercial applications within up to 30 days (state law allows up to 30 days). 6. Approved permit must be posted visibly on site before work begins. 7. Schedule required inspections by calling the Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer at 603-466-2549. 8. For new commercial principal structures and residential properties when requested: a certified as-built plan is required before a certificate of occupancy will be issued.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Gorham, NH?

Typical processing time is 3 days for residential; up to 30 days for commercial.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Gorham, NH?

The following work is generally exempt: Building maintenance (residential) - no fee (permit may still be required for scope; confirm with office); Demolition (residential) - no fee; Work not affecting structure, egress, or regulated systems.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Gorham, NH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 603-466-2549 (Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer).

City Building Permits

Town of Gorham, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Gorham, New Hampshire. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Hampshire Coos County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Gorham, including the village of Gorham and surrounding rural areas within town boundaries.

Department: Building and Code Enforcement
Address: 20 Park Street, Gorham, NH 03581
Phone: 603-466-3322 x7
Website: https://www.gorhamnh.gov/building-code-enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open Building and Code Enforcement

Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the Building Permit Application form from the Gorham Building and Code Enforcement page.
Complete all sections: owner/applicant info, contractor info, project description, project type, estimated cost, square footage.
Attach required supplemental approvals as applicable: NH Energy Code EC-1 form for new construction and additions over 150 sq. ft.; NHDES septic approval for new residences, bedroom increases, or change of use; driveway permit if connecting to town road; site plan review approval for projects other than single-family homes; FEMA documentation if in flood zone; current-use documentation if applicable.
Submit application with fee to Town Hall. No refunds once submitted.
Residential applications are reviewed within 3 days; commercial applications within up to 30 days (state law allows up to 30 days).
Approved permit must be posted visibly on site before work begins.
Schedule required inspections by calling the Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer at 603-466-2549.
For new commercial principal structures and residential properties when requested: a certified as-built plan is required before a certificate of occupancy will be issued.

Typical processing time: 3 days for residential; up to 30 days for commercial

Source: Building and Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Both NH law (RSA 155-A) and the Town of Gorham require a permit before construction begins. Required for new construction, additions, alterations, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, fences (permanently set), pools, and signs.

Required Documents

Completed Building Permit Application
Project description
Project type
Estimated cost
Square footage
Contractor information
Required supplemental approvals (NH Energy Code EC-1, NHDES septic approval, driveway permit, site plan review, FEMA documentation, etc.)

Permit validity: 1 year; residential permits get 2 free renewals; commercial permit renewals are $50 each.
Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) / IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 / NEC 2020 with NH amendments
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may apply; state-licensed sub-trades required.
Contractor requirements: No NH GC license; electricians and plumbers must be NH-licensed.

Fees

Penalty (no permit): After-the-Fact Penalty: $150

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective May 23, 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Building maintenance (residential) - no fee (permit may still be required for scope; confirm with office)
Demolition (residential) - no fee
Work not affecting structure, egress, or regulated systems

Inspections

How to Schedule

603-466-2549 (Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer) (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: As-Built Plans required before CO for commercial new principal structures, and residential when requested. CO inspection must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) / IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 / NEC 2020 with NH amendments
Zoning information: View zoning info
License lookup guide: New Hampshire Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: New Hampshire Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
New Hampshire hub: New Hampshire Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building and Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Gorham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Gorham, NH?: Both NH law (RSA 155-A) and the Town of Gorham require a permit before construction begins. Required for new construction, additions, alterations, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, fences (permanently set), pools, and signs.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Gorham, NH?: 1. Download the Building Permit Application form from the Gorham Building and Code Enforcement page. 2. Complete all sections: owner/applicant info, contractor info, project description, project type, estimated cost, square footage. 3. Attach required supplemental approvals as applicable: NH Energy Code EC-1 form for new construction and additions over 150 sq. ft.; NHDES septic approval for new residences, bedroom increases, or change of use; driveway permit if connecting to town road; site plan review approval for projects other than single-family homes; FEMA documentation if in flood zone; current-use documentation if applicable. 4. Submit application with fee to Town Hall. No refunds once submitted. 5. Residential applications are reviewed within 3 days; commercial applications within up to 30 days (state law allows up to 30 days). 6. Approved permit must be posted visibly on site before work begins. 7. Schedule required inspections by calling the Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer at 603-466-2549. 8. For new commercial principal structures and residential properties when requested: a certified as-built plan is required before a certificate of occupancy will be issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Gorham, NH?: Typical processing time is 3 days for residential; up to 30 days for commercial.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Gorham, NH?: The following work is generally exempt: Building maintenance (residential) - no fee (permit may still be required for scope; confirm with office); Demolition (residential) - no fee; Work not affecting structure, egress, or regulated systems.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Gorham, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 603-466-2549 (Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer).

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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