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

1. Determine whether your project requires a Land Use Permit (replaced 'Building Permit' effective January 1, 2021). 2. A permit is required for any construction or demolition that changes the property footprint, or for any work costing $3,500 or more. 3. Download the Land Use Permit application form from the permits page (residential) or visit Town Hall (commercial). 4. Complete the form: owner/contractor info, project description, property address/tax map/lot, estimated cost, square footage. 5. Attach required supplemental approvals: driveway permit if new driveway is being created; NHDES shoreland permit if work is within 250 feet of a public water body; elevation certificate if project is in a mapped floodplain; state-approved septic design for new or altered private septic. 6. Submit application with fee. Note: no refund if permit is denied. 7. Permit must be posted on site. 8. After permitted work is complete, schedule FHLS (Fire/Health/Life/Safety) initial inspection. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying a new or substantially altered structure.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Roof replacement; Window replacement; Siding replacement; Painting; Work not changing property footprint and costing under $3,500.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 603-788-3391 (Land Use Coordinator).

City Building Permits

Town of Lancaster, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Coos County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Lancaster, the county seat of Coos County. Lancaster is the largest town in terms of services and is the administrative center of the county.

Department: Land Use / Planning and Zoning
Address: 25 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584
Phone: 603-788-3391
Website: https://lancasternh.org/town-government/land-use/

Online Permit Portal

Open Land Use Permits

Platform: Hybrid (residential online, commercial in-person) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether your project requires a Land Use Permit (replaced 'Building Permit' effective January 1, 2021).
A permit is required for any construction or demolition that changes the property footprint, or for any work costing $3,500 or more.
Download the Land Use Permit application form from the permits page (residential) or visit Town Hall (commercial).
Complete the form: owner/contractor info, project description, property address/tax map/lot, estimated cost, square footage.
Attach required supplemental approvals: driveway permit if new driveway is being created; NHDES shoreland permit if work is within 250 feet of a public water body; elevation certificate if project is in a mapped floodplain; state-approved septic design for new or altered private septic.
Submit application with fee. Note: no refund if permit is denied.
Permit must be posted on site.
After permitted work is complete, schedule FHLS (Fire/Health/Life/Safety) initial inspection.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying a new or substantially altered structure.

Source: Land Use / Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Any construction or demolition changing the property footprint; work costing $3,500 or more.

Required Documents

Completed Land Use Permit form
Supporting approvals per project type
Fee
Driveway permit if new driveway is being created
NHDES shoreland permit if work is within 250 feet of a public water body
Elevation certificate if project is in a mapped floodplain
State-approved septic design for new or altered private septic

Permit validity: Not explicitly stated; standard NH practice is 1 year.
Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); IRC 2021 / IBC 2021 with NH amendments
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may apply.
Contractor requirements: No NH GC license; state-licensed electricians and plumbers required.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Roof replacement
Window replacement
Siding replacement
Painting
Work not changing property footprint and costing under $3,500

Inspections

How to Schedule

603-788-3391 (Land Use Coordinator) (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: FHLS (Fire/Health/Life/Safety) initial inspection required after permitted work is complete. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupying new or substantially altered structures.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); IRC 2021 / IBC 2021 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 Land Use / Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Lancaster Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Lancaster, NH?: Any construction or demolition changing the property footprint; work costing $3,500 or more.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Lancaster, NH?: 1. Determine whether your project requires a Land Use Permit (replaced 'Building Permit' effective January 1, 2021). 2. A permit is required for any construction or demolition that changes the property footprint, or for any work costing $3,500 or more. 3. Download the Land Use Permit application form from the permits page (residential) or visit Town Hall (commercial). 4. Complete the form: owner/contractor info, project description, property address/tax map/lot, estimated cost, square footage. 5. Attach required supplemental approvals: driveway permit if new driveway is being created; NHDES shoreland permit if work is within 250 feet of a public water body; elevation certificate if project is in a mapped floodplain; state-approved septic design for new or altered private septic. 6. Submit application with fee. Note: no refund if permit is denied. 7. Permit must be posted on site. 8. After permitted work is complete, schedule FHLS (Fire/Health/Life/Safety) initial inspection. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying a new or substantially altered structure.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Lancaster, NH?: The following work is generally exempt: Roof replacement; Window replacement; Siding replacement; Painting; Work not changing property footprint and costing under $3,500.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Lancaster, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 603-788-3391 (Land Use Coordinator).

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Lancaster can be complicated.

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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.

Other cities in Coos County

Whitefield Colebrook Carroll

View all Coos County jurisdictions →