City Building Permits
Lebanon, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Lebanon is the only city in Grafton County. Full-service building department. Online portal for permit applications. Permit fee calculator available. Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- Department
- Planning and Development Department / Building Inspection, City of Lebanon
- Address
- 51 N. Park Street, 5th Floor, Lebanon, NH 03766
- Phone
- (603) 448-1524
Online Permit Portal
Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Register/log in to the OpenGov online permit portal (link at lebanonnh.gov).
- Start your application, save your progress, and continue later as needed.
- Upload required plans and documentation (type and detail vary by project).
- Submit application. All permit fees are due upon submission.
- City reviews for code and zoning compliance per NH State Building Code and Lebanon Building Code (IBC 2018 and related codes).
- Permit issued. Construction may not begin until permit is in hand.
- Schedule inspections through the portal at least 24 hours in advance.
- City inspector performs required inspections.
- Final inspection and certificate of occupancy (as applicable).
Source: Planning and Development Department / Building Inspection, City of Lebanon
General Requirements
Most construction projects, alterations, and changes of use require a building permit. A detailed list of work exempt from permit requirements is available at the official exempt work list URL.
Required Documents
- Complete plans of proposed work, per project type
- Contact the office for specifics
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); IBC 2018 and related codes.
- Contractor requirements
- NH state licensing required for electricians and plumbers.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Included in permit fee per Fee Schedule.
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based or flat fee depending on project type; see Fee Calculator and Fee Schedule.
- Payment note
- All fees due upon submission of permit application via the OpenGov portal.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Important: See the official exempt work list at: https://lebanonnh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/819/Work-Exempt-from-Permit-Requirements---PrintDownload-PDF
Inspections
How to Schedule
- OpenGov Portal (online)
- (603) 448-1524 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspections must be requested at least 24 hours in advance.
- Inspection hours
- City office hours; contact for current schedule.
Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing, rough framing, insulation, final; additional trades inspections as needed.
Additional Resources
- Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); IBC 2018 and related codes.
- Verify contractor license: NH License Verification
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Lebanon Building Code
- Residential Building Permits
- Commercial Structures
- License lookup guide: New Hampshire Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: New Hampshire Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- New Hampshire hub: New Hampshire Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Development Department / Building Inspection, City of Lebanon before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lebanon Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Lebanon, NH?
- Most construction projects, alterations, and changes of use require a building permit. A detailed list of work exempt from permit requirements is available at the official exempt work list URL.
- How much does a building permit cost in Lebanon, NH?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based or flat fee depending on project type; see Fee Calculator and Fee Schedule.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee per Fee Schedule..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Lebanon, NH?
- 1. Register/log in to the OpenGov online permit portal (link at lebanonnh.gov). 2. Start your application, save your progress, and continue later as needed. 3. Upload required plans and documentation (type and detail vary by project). 4. Submit application. All permit fees are due upon submission. 5. City reviews for code and zoning compliance per NH State Building Code and Lebanon Building Code (IBC 2018 and related codes). 6. Permit issued. Construction may not begin until permit is in hand. 7. Schedule inspections through the portal at least 24 hours in advance. 8. City inspector performs required inspections. 9. Final inspection and certificate of occupancy (as applicable).
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Lebanon, NH?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov Portal, (603) 448-1524. Inspections must be requested at least 24 hours in advance..
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