On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gorham
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.
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
- Exempt Building maintenance (residential) - no fee (permit may still be required for scope; confirm with office)
- Exempt Demolition (residential) - no fee
- Exempt Work not affecting structure, egress, or regulated systems
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.)
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) / IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 / NEC 2020 with NH amendments
- Permit validity
- 1 year; residential permits get 2 free renewals; commercial permit renewals are $50 each.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may apply; state-licensed sub-trades required.
- Contractor requirements
- No NH GC license; electricians and plumbers must be NH-licensed.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 3 days for residential; up to 30 days for commercial
- 01 Download the Building Permit Application form from the Gorham Building and Code Enforcement page.
- 02 Complete all sections: owner/applicant info, contractor info, project description, project type, estimated cost, square footage.
- 03 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.
- 04 Submit application with fee to Town Hall. No refunds once submitted.
- 05 Residential applications are reviewed within 3 days; commercial applications within up to 30 days (state law allows up to 30 days).
- 06 Approved permit must be posted visibly on site before work begins.
- 07 Schedule required inspections by calling the Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer at 603-466-2549.
- 08 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective May 23, 2023
Fee type
Amount
01
Penalty (no permit)
After-the-Fact Penalty: $150
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective May 23, 2023) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 603-466-2549 (Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer) (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical 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.
Source: Building and Code Enforcement ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gorham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Gorham, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Gorham, NH, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Gorham, NH? ▸
Building permit processing times in Gorham, NH typically run 3 days for residential; up to 30 days for commercial. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Gorham, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Gorham, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Gorham, NH via: 603-466-2549 (Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer).
last verified April 2026
source Building and Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/coos/gorham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.