Canaan, NH — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Building Inspector / Town Office, Town of Canaan

Street address

1169 US Route 4, PO Box 38, Canaan, NH 03741

Phone

(603) 523-4850 ext. 4

Coverage

Active building department. Multiple related permits may be required (driveway, fire dept., water/sewer). Permits processed per IRC 2015 Section 105.

Online portal

Canaan Forms and Publications

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Canaan

All new construction, additions, alterations. Fire alarm/sprinkler systems (fire dept. permit), oil burner installation (fire dept. permit), water/sewer connections (Water and Sewer Dept. permit), and driveway access permits also required.

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary maintenance and repairs

Exempt

Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repairs

Note: Specific exemptions: contact Building Inspector at (603) 523-4850 ext. 4.

Required documents

Completed building permit application
Site plan
Building plans

Building code: IRC 2015 (as per published guide); NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A).
Permit validity: 1 year from approval date (IRC 2015 Section 105).
Contractor requirements: NH state licensing required for electricians and plumbers.

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Review Land and Construction Permits Guide (canaannh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/133).
02

Determine all required approvals (building, driveway, fire, water/sewer, Class VI road, etc.).
03

For driveways on town roads: permit from Canaan Highway Department. For state routes: NHDOT driveway permit.
04

For building on Class VI or private roads: prior Select Board approval required.
05

Complete Building Permit Application (canaannh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/135).
06

Submit application and fee to Town Office.
07

Building Inspector reviews and issues permit.
08

Required inspections: underslab (before covering); rough-in (before insulation); final.

Source: Building Inspector / Town Office, Town of Canaan ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Canaan building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

Based on project type and square footage.

Submit with application to Town Office.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(603) 523-4850 ext. 4 (phone)

Typical sequence: Underslab; rough-in (framing, truss bracing, firestopping); final inspection. Work may not be covered prior to approval at each stage.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Canaan permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Canaan, NH? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Canaan, NH? ▸

Building permit fees in Canaan, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project type and square footage..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Canaan, NH? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Canaan, NH, follow these steps: 1. Review Land and Construction Permits Guide (canaannh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/133). 2. Determine all required approvals (building, driveway, fire, water/sewer, Class VI road, etc.). 3. For driveways on town roads: permit from Canaan Highway Department. For state routes: NHDOT driveway permit. 4. For building on Class VI or private roads: prior Select Board approval required. 5. Complete Building Permit Application (canaannh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/135). 6. Submit application and fee to Town Office. 7. Building Inspector reviews and issues permit. 8. Required inspections: underslab (before covering); rough-in (before insulation); final.

04 What work is exempt from building permits in Canaan, NH? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Canaan, NH. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repairs. Note: Specific exemptions: contact Building Inspector at (603) 523-4850 ext. 4. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Canaan, NH? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Canaan, NH via: (603) 523-4850 ext. 4.

last verified April 2026 source Building Inspector / Town Office, Town of Canaan ↗ entry id permits/new-hampshire/grafton/canaan

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspector / Town Office, Town of Canaan before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Canaan

Other jurisdictions in Grafton County.