Town of Shelburne, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Town of Shelburne, a small rural town in Coos County bordering Gorham to the west.

Department

Code Enforcement Officer / Board of Selectmen

Website

https://www.townofshelburnenh.gov/permits-and-applications

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer before starting any project -- even purchasing a pre-built structure counts as a building project requiring a permit.
2. Download and complete the Building Permit Application / Checklist packet.
3. Assemble required attachments as applicable: NH DES septic approval number (for applicable construction); Town or state driveway permit; Evidence of asbestos/lead inspection for renovation or demolition; NH Energy Code approval number (EC-1); Plot plan showing lot dimensions, building dimensions, setbacks from all property lines, existing structures, and exterior elevations (for certain work).
4. Submit complete application to the Code Enforcement Officer. Incomplete applications are flagged as the primary reason for delays.
5. Permit is issued by the Board of Selectmen or authorized officer.
6. Work must begin within 12 months of permit issuance and be completed within 18 months.
7. Post the permit at the job site before work begins.
8. Schedule required inspections: Frame and Mechanical Inspection (after roof, framing, fire/draft stopping, bracing, and rough plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical are in place, but before insulation or interior finishes); Final Inspection (after all permitted work is complete and before occupancy).
9. For residential occupancy permit: confirm you have (a) approved building permit, (b) state septic approval to operate, (c) heating equipment permit under RSA 153:5, (d) passed frame/mechanical inspection, (e) passed final inspection.

Source: Code Enforcement Officer / Board of Selectmen

General Requirements

Any building project, including purchasing a pre-built structure. Covers new construction, additions, alterations, decks, garages, sheds, ADUs, solar arrays, electrical upgrades, and demolition.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Application / Checklist packet
• NH DES septic approval number (for applicable construction)
• Town or state driveway permit
• Evidence of asbestos/lead inspection (for renovation or demolition)
• NH Energy Code approval number (EC-1)
• Plot plan (for certain work)

Permit validity

Work must begin within 12 months; work must be completed within 18 months.

Building code

NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Shelburne Zoning Ordinance

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply.

Contractor requirements

No NH GC license; state-licensed sub-trades required.

Fees

Reinspection fee

$25 per additional visit beyond required inspections

Penalty (no permit)

$150 after-the-fact penalty if work started without permit; $275 to $550 per day state penalty (RSA 155-A)

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Code Enforcement Officer / Board of Selectmen to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Code Enforcement Officer (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Frame and Mechanical Inspection: After framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, fire/draft stopping, bracing -- before insulation or interior finishes. Final Inspection: After all permitted work complete -- before any occupancy. Additional Visits: $25 each beyond the required inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Shelburne Zoning Ordinance
• 2024 Annual Report (reference)
• License lookup guide: New Hampshire Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Hampshire Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Hampshire hub: New Hampshire Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Shelburne Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Shelburne, NH?

Any building project, including purchasing a pre-built structure. Covers new construction, additions, alterations, decks, garages, sheds, ADUs, solar arrays, electrical upgrades, and demolition.

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

1. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer before starting any project -- even purchasing a pre-built structure counts as a building project requiring a permit. 2. Download and complete the Building Permit Application / Checklist packet. 3. Assemble required attachments as applicable: NH DES septic approval number (for applicable construction); Town or state driveway permit; Evidence of asbestos/lead inspection for renovation or demolition; NH Energy Code approval number (EC-1); Plot plan showing lot dimensions, building dimensions, setbacks from all property lines, existing structures, and exterior elevations (for certain work). 4. Submit complete application to the Code Enforcement Officer. Incomplete applications are flagged as the primary reason for delays. 5. Permit is issued by the Board of Selectmen or authorized officer. 6. Work must begin within 12 months of permit issuance and be completed within 18 months. 7. Post the permit at the job site before work begins. 8. Schedule required inspections: Frame and Mechanical Inspection (after roof, framing, fire/draft stopping, bracing, and rough plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical are in place, but before insulation or interior finishes); Final Inspection (after all permitted work is complete and before occupancy). 9. For residential occupancy permit: confirm you have (a) approved building permit, (b) state septic approval to operate, (c) heating equipment permit under RSA 153:5, (d) passed frame/mechanical inspection, (e) passed final inspection.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Code Enforcement Officer.

Other cities in Coos County