On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Holderness
Anything built upon or attached to the ground (new houses, changes to existing footprints); septic systems (new and repairs); garages; sheds; swimming pools (above and below ground); fences; signs; paving; alterations and renovations exceeding $5,000 market cost; enlarging windows or doors; changes of use.
General maintenance of structure: siding, roofing, new decking on existing deck frame, bathroom fixtures, replacing windows/doors of same size, painting, replacing appliances, and similar maintenance
Interior remodeling that does not exceed $5,000 of market cost
- Exempt General maintenance of structure: siding, roofing, new decking on existing deck frame, bathroom fixtures, replacing windows/doors of same size, painting, replacing appliances, and similar maintenance
- Exempt Interior remodeling that does not exceed $5,000 of market cost
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Building Permit Application Checklist
- Site plan
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A).
- Contractor requirements
- NH state licensing required for electricians and plumbers.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Review Building Permit Information Sheet at holderness-nh.gov.
- 02 Download Permit Application and instructions from Compliance Officer forms page.
- 03 Review the Building Permit Application Checklist (available on forms page).
- 04 Complete application with required documents.
- 05 Submit to Town Hall at 1089 Route 3 with required fee.
- 06 Compliance Officer reviews and issues permit.
- 07 Post permit on site. Schedule required inspections.
- 08 Final inspection to close out permit.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Holderness building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Alterations: $35.00 plus $0.08 per sq. ft. Accessory building: $35.00. Detached garage (no heat/plumbing): $50.00.
02
Permit fee formula
New residential construction: $150.00 plus $0.08 per sq. ft. Alterations: $35.00 plus $0.08 per sq. ft.
Submit with application to Town Hall.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (603) 968-2145 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Town Hall hours; contact for current schedule.
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Holderness permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Holderness, NH? ▸
Anything built upon or attached to the ground (new houses, changes to existing footprints); septic systems (new and repairs); garages; sheds; swimming pools (above and below ground); fences; signs; paving; alterations and renovations exceeding $5,000 market cost; enlarging windows or doors; changes of use.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Holderness, NH? ▸
Building permit fees in Holderness, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Alterations: $35.00 plus $0.08 per sq. ft. Accessory building: $35.00. Detached garage (no heat/plumbing): $50.00.. Fees are calculated as: New residential construction: $150.00 plus $0.08 per sq. ft. Alterations: $35.00 plus $0.08 per sq. ft..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Holderness, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Holderness, NH, follow these steps: 1. Review Building Permit Information Sheet at holderness-nh.gov. 2. Download Permit Application and instructions from Compliance Officer forms page. 3. Review the Building Permit Application Checklist (available on forms page). 4. Complete application with required documents. 5. Submit to Town Hall at 1089 Route 3 with required fee. 6. Compliance Officer reviews and issues permit. 7. Post permit on site. Schedule required inspections. 8. Final inspection to close out permit.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Holderness, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Holderness, NH. The following work is generally exempt: General maintenance of structure: siding, roofing, new decking on existing deck frame, bathroom fixtures, replacing windows/doors of same size, painting, replacing appliances, and similar maintenance; Interior remodeling that does not exceed $5,000 of market cost. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Holderness, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Holderness, NH via: (603) 968-2145.
last verified April 2026
source Compliance Officer, Town of Holderness ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/grafton/holderness
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Compliance Officer, Town of Holderness before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.