Coos County, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated places in Coos County -- Dixville, Millsfield, Odell, Second College Grant, and any other unincorporated territories. The county administers zoning, site plan review, subdivision regulations, and the county zoning permit for these areas. The county serves as the local governing board in the absence of municipal government.

Department

Coos County Planning Board

Address

34 County Farm Road, West Stewartstown, NH 03597 (hand delivery); PO Box 310, West Stewartstown, NH 03597 (mail)

Phone

603-237-1920 / 603-237-1905

Website

https://www.cooscountynh.us/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the 2024 Coos County Zoning Ordinance for Unincorporated Places (as amended December 13, 2024) to determine the applicable zoning district and whether your use is permitted as of right, requires a conditional use permit, or requires a special exception.
2. It is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter a structure, or change a use without first receiving a county zoning permit.
3. Before submitting, obtain any required prior approvals: if site plan review, subdivision approval, variance, or conditional use permit is required, those must be obtained first.
4. Complete the Zoning Permit Application form (Form ZONE10132022). Required information: Owner/applicant name, address, and contact information; Name of unincorporated place and tax map/lot number; Zoning district; Description of proposed project; Exhibits: proof of title/deed, location map, sketch plan showing building location and setbacks; If special exception or conditional use permit is required: abutters list also required.
5. If site plan review is required (commercial, industrial, multifamily, and certain other uses): file the Site Plan Review Application at least 15 days before a scheduled Planning Board meeting.
6. Calculate applicable fee and include payment (check or money order to Treasurer, Coos County).
7. Mail or hand-deliver to county office (PO Box 310 or 34 County Farm Rd., West Stewartstown, NH 03597).
8. Note: Dixville / Balsams Resort area includes 'DD-Resort' district recognizing the historic Balsams Resort. Building permits for large resort projects may require State Fire Marshal office permits in addition to county permits. NHDES and NHDOT approvals were also confirmed as required in 2024 Balsams redevelopment action.

Source: Coos County Planning Board

General Requirements

Any erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration of a structure, or change of use.

Required Documents

• Completed Zoning Permit Application (Form ZONE10132022)
• Owner/applicant name, address, and contact information
• Name of unincorporated place and tax map/lot number
• Zoning district
• Description of proposed project
• Proof of title/deed
• Location map
• Sketch plan showing building location and setbacks
• Abutters list (if special exception or conditional use permit required)
• Site Plan Review Application (if required)

Permit validity

Not separately stated in reviewed materials; confirm with county office.

Building code

NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Coos County Zoning Ordinance for Unincorporated Places (2024, as amended Dec. 13, 2024)

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 Coos County Planning Board to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 603-237-1920 / 603-237-1905 (Coos County Planning Board) (phone)
• PO Box 310, West Stewartstown, NH 03597 (mail)

Scheduling deadline

Applications requiring board review must be filed at least 15 days before a scheduled Planning Board meeting

Typical inspection sequence: Planning Board Meetings: Monthly; applications requiring board review must be filed at least 15 days in advance. Floodplain: County zoning ordinance incorporates FEMA floodplain requirements. Large Projects: State Fire Marshal permits, NHDES permits, and NHDOT approvals may be required concurrently (particularly for Dixville/Balsams Resort projects).

Additional Resources

• Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Coos County Zoning Ordinance for Unincorporated Places (2024, as amended Dec. 13, 2024)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Site Plan Review Regulations
• County Zoning Permit Application
• 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

Coos County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Coos County, NH?

Any erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration of a structure, or change of use.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Coos County, NH?

1. Review the 2024 Coos County Zoning Ordinance for Unincorporated Places (as amended December 13, 2024) to determine the applicable zoning district and whether your use is permitted as of right, requires a conditional use permit, or requires a special exception. 2. It is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter a structure, or change a use without first receiving a county zoning permit. 3. Before submitting, obtain any required prior approvals: if site plan review, subdivision approval, variance, or conditional use permit is required, those must be obtained first. 4. Complete the Zoning Permit Application form (Form ZONE10132022). Required information: Owner/applicant name, address, and contact information; Name of unincorporated place and tax map/lot number; Zoning district; Description of proposed project; Exhibits: proof of title/deed, location map, sketch plan showing building location and setbacks; If special exception or conditional use permit is required: abutters list also required. 5. If site plan review is required (commercial, industrial, multifamily, and certain other uses): file the Site Plan Review Application at least 15 days before a scheduled Planning Board meeting. 6. Calculate applicable fee and include payment (check or money order to Treasurer, Coos County). 7. Mail or hand-deliver to county office (PO Box 310 or 34 County Farm Rd., West Stewartstown, NH 03597). 8. Note: Dixville / Balsams Resort area includes 'DD-Resort' district recognizing the historic Balsams Resort. Building permits for large resort projects may require State Fire Marshal office permits in addition to county permits. NHDES and NHDOT approvals were also confirmed as required in 2024 Balsams redevelopment action.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Coos County, NH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 603-237-1920 / 603-237-1905 (Coos County Planning Board), PO Box 310, West Stewartstown, NH 03597. Applications requiring board review must be filed at least 15 days before a scheduled Planning Board meeting.