On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Northumberland
Any project that changes the property footprint, or any remodeling/repair with anticipated material costs exceeding $5,000.
Remodeling or repairs where material cost is under $5,000 and footprint does not change
- Exempt Remodeling or repairs where material cost is under $5,000 and footprint does not change
Required documents
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Property details
- Project description
- Site map showing work location and setback compliance
- Elevation certificate (if in a floodplain)
- Approved driveway permit (if new driveway)
- Approved septic design (if applicable)
- NH energy code certification (for applicable new construction)
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Northumberland Zoning Ordinance (2020, updated 2025)
- Permit validity
- Annual -- valid through March 31 of the following year.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may apply.
- Contractor requirements
- No NH GC license; state-licensed electricians and plumbers required.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download the Building Permit Application from the forms page.
- 02 Determine if a permit is required: required when the project changes the property footprint OR when anticipated material costs exceed $5,000. No permit is required for remodeling/repair work where material costs are under $5,000 and the footprint does not change.
- 03 Complete all sections: property details, project description, site map showing work location and setback compliance.
- 04 Attach elevation certificate if in a floodplain; attach approved driveway permit if a new driveway is being created; attach approved septic design if applicable.
- 05 Attach NH energy code certification for applicable new construction projects.
- 06 Submit to the Assessing Office with fee. Application is routed internally for review by Highway, Water/Sewer, Fire, Ambulance, and Police departments, then signed by the Building Inspector and three Selectmen.
- 07 No work may begin before permit approval unless specifically authorized by the Board of Selectmen.
- 08 Post the permit visibly from the highway.
- 09 Permits approved in 2025 are valid through March 31, 2026; if work is completed and town notified by that date, a $25 refund may be available; if work is unfinished, a free one-year renewal may be requested.
Source: Assessing Office ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 603-636-1450 (Assessing Office) (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM - noon
Typical sequence: Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer have authority to inspect buildings, structures, and construction sites under RSA 155-A and the town's zoning ordinance.
Source: Assessing Office ↗
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Northumberland permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Northumberland, NH? ▸
Any project that changes the property footprint, or any remodeling/repair with anticipated material costs exceeding $5,000.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Northumberland, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Northumberland, NH, follow these steps: 1. Download the Building Permit Application from the forms page. 2. Determine if a permit is required: required when the project changes the property footprint OR when anticipated material costs exceed $5,000. No permit is required for remodeling/repair work where material costs are under $5,000 and the footprint does not change. 3. Complete all sections: property details, project description, site map showing work location and setback compliance. 4. Attach elevation certificate if in a floodplain; attach approved driveway permit if a new driveway is being created; attach approved septic design if applicable. 5. Attach NH energy code certification for applicable new construction projects. 6. Submit to the Assessing Office with fee. Application is routed internally for review by Highway, Water/Sewer, Fire, Ambulance, and Police departments, then signed by the Building Inspector and three Selectmen. 7. No work may begin before permit approval unless specifically authorized by the Board of Selectmen. 8. Post the permit visibly from the highway. 9. Permits approved in 2025 are valid through March 31, 2026; if work is completed and town notified by that date, a $25 refund may be available; if work is unfinished, a free one-year renewal may be requested.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Northumberland, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Northumberland, NH. The following work is generally exempt: Remodeling or repairs where material cost is under $5,000 and footprint does not change. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Northumberland, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Northumberland, NH via: 603-636-1450 (Assessing Office).
last verified April 2026
source Assessing Office ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/coos/northumberland
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Assessing Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.