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

1. Download the 'Building Certificate' application from the Forms page. Note: the town replaced the old PA-28 Inventory Form with the Building Certificate. 2. A Building Certificate is required before starting any new construction, renovation, or demolition. 3. For nonresidential structures, new commercial real estate, expansions or changes of existing commercial/nonresidential use, and new multifamily projects with more than 2 dwelling units: site plan approval from the Planning Board is required before or concurrent with the Building Certificate. 4. For construction on Class VI or private roads: Select Board authorization plus a recorded liability waiver is required. 5. If a new driveway is created: obtain a driveway permit (requires 250 feet of sight distance each way, max 50 feet width; $50 application fee). 6. For floodplain development: obtain a town floodplain permit; attach an elevation certificate. 7. Confirm project complies with the Land Use Ordinance (1994, amended 2023): existing nonconforming uses may continue but may not be enlarged, expanded, or changed to another nonconforming use. 8. Submit Building Certificate application with fee to the Assessing Office.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Assessing Office or Select Board.

City Building Permits

Town of Stratford, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Coos County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Stratford, including the village of North Stratford. The town's entire area is treated as a single zoning district under its Land Use Ordinance.

Department: Assessing Office / Select Board
Website: https://stratfordnh.gov/assessing/

Online Permit Portal

Open Forms

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the 'Building Certificate' application from the Forms page. Note: the town replaced the old PA-28 Inventory Form with the Building Certificate.
A Building Certificate is required before starting any new construction, renovation, or demolition.
For nonresidential structures, new commercial real estate, expansions or changes of existing commercial/nonresidential use, and new multifamily projects with more than 2 dwelling units: site plan approval from the Planning Board is required before or concurrent with the Building Certificate.
For construction on Class VI or private roads: Select Board authorization plus a recorded liability waiver is required.
If a new driveway is created: obtain a driveway permit (requires 250 feet of sight distance each way, max 50 feet width; $50 application fee).
For floodplain development: obtain a town floodplain permit; attach an elevation certificate.
Confirm project complies with the Land Use Ordinance (1994, amended 2023): existing nonconforming uses may continue but may not be enlarged, expanded, or changed to another nonconforming use.
Submit Building Certificate application with fee to the Assessing Office.

Source: Assessing Office / Select Board

General Requirements

Any new construction, renovation, demolition, or change of use.

Required Documents

Building Certificate application
Plan showing lot shape/dimensions/location, buildings or structures to be erected or expanded, driveway access to a right-of-way
Proof of required sewage approvals

Permit validity: 1 year; one additional 1-year extension may be granted upon application; permits are not transferable to a subsequent owner.
Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Stratford Land Use Ordinance (1994/2023)
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may apply.
Contractor requirements: No NH GC license; state-licensed sub-trades required.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Assessing Office / Select Board to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Assessing Office or Select Board (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Site Plan Review: Planning Board for nonresidential, commercial, multifamily (>2 units). Floodplain: Floodplain ordinance requires elevation certificate filed with each application.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Stratford Land Use Ordinance (1994/2023)
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 Assessing Office / Select Board before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Stratford Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Stratford, NH?: Any new construction, renovation, demolition, or change of use.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Stratford, NH?: 1. Download the 'Building Certificate' application from the Forms page. Note: the town replaced the old PA-28 Inventory Form with the Building Certificate. 2. A Building Certificate is required before starting any new construction, renovation, or demolition. 3. For nonresidential structures, new commercial real estate, expansions or changes of existing commercial/nonresidential use, and new multifamily projects with more than 2 dwelling units: site plan approval from the Planning Board is required before or concurrent with the Building Certificate. 4. For construction on Class VI or private roads: Select Board authorization plus a recorded liability waiver is required. 5. If a new driveway is created: obtain a driveway permit (requires 250 feet of sight distance each way, max 50 feet width; $50 application fee). 6. For floodplain development: obtain a town floodplain permit; attach an elevation certificate. 7. Confirm project complies with the Land Use Ordinance (1994, amended 2023): existing nonconforming uses may continue but may not be enlarged, expanded, or changed to another nonconforming use. 8. Submit Building Certificate application with fee to the Assessing Office.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Stratford, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Assessing Office or Select Board.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Stratford 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.

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