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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Stratford
Any new construction, renovation, demolition, or change of use.
Note: Not explicitly enumerated in reviewed ordinance; consult town for specifics. Per general NH practice, ordinary repairs not affecting structure or use are generally exempt.
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
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Stratford Land Use Ordinance (1994/2023)
- Permit validity
- 1 year; one additional 1-year extension may be granted upon application; permits are not transferable to a subsequent owner.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may apply.
- Contractor requirements
- No NH GC license; state-licensed sub-trades required.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download the 'Building Certificate' application from the Forms page. Note: the town replaced the old PA-28 Inventory Form with the Building Certificate.
- 02 A Building Certificate is required before starting any new construction, renovation, or demolition.
- 03 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.
- 04 For construction on Class VI or private roads: Select Board authorization plus a recorded liability waiver is required.
- 05 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).
- 06 For floodplain development: obtain a town floodplain permit; attach an elevation certificate.
- 07 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.
- 08 Submit Building Certificate application with fee to the Assessing Office.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Assessing Office or Select Board (phone)
Typical sequence: Site Plan Review: Planning Board for nonresidential, commercial, multifamily (>2 units). Floodplain: Floodplain ordinance requires elevation certificate filed with each application.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Stratford permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Stratford, NH? ▸
Any new construction, renovation, demolition, or change of use.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Stratford, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Stratford, NH, follow these steps: 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.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Stratford, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Stratford, NH via: Assessing Office or Select Board.
last verified April 2026
source Assessing Office / Select Board ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/coos/stratford
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Assessing Office / Select Board before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.