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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Coos County
Any erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration of a structure, or change of use.
Note: As defined in the 2024 Zoning Ordinance; consult the ordinance for specific exemptions by district
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)
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); Coos County Zoning Ordinance for Unincorporated Places (2024, as amended Dec. 13, 2024)
- Permit validity
- Not separately stated in reviewed materials; confirm with county office.
- 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 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.
- 02 It is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter a structure, or change a use without first receiving a county zoning permit.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
- 06 Calculate applicable fee and include payment (check or money order to Treasurer, Coos County).
- 07 Mail or hand-deliver to county office (PO Box 310 or 34 County Farm Rd., West Stewartstown, NH 03597).
- 08 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 ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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).
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Coos County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Coos County, NH? ▸
Any erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration of a structure, or change of use.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Coos County, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Coos County, NH, follow these steps: 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.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Coos County, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Coos County, NH 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.
last verified April 2026
source Coos County Planning Board ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/coos/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Coos County Planning Board before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.