City Building Permits

Town of Lincoln, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Lincoln, New Hampshire. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Hampshire Grafton County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Lincoln uses a Land Use Permit (LUP) system. All buildings and structures must comply with NH State Building Code and Fire Code. A Land Use Compliance Certificate must be obtained before occupancy.

Department
Planning Department / Planning and Land Use, Town of Lincoln
Address
148 Main Street, PO Box 25, Lincoln, NH 03251
Phone
(603) 745-8527 ext. 214

Online Permit Portal

Platform:Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the Short Form or Long Form application applies (contact Planning Dept. at (603) 745-8527 ext. 214 if unsure).
  2. Download the appropriate fillable PDF application.
  3. Prepare building plan and site plans showing elevations and drainage scales.
  4. Complete Land Use Permit Application, Sewer Tap Assessment Form, and Water Tap Assessment Form as applicable.
  5. Pay Water and Sewer Tap Fees and Bedroom Impact Fees (required before LUP is issued).
  6. Submit application to Town Hall.
  7. Applicant has one month to supply any outstanding items; after 1 month a $100 re-submission fee applies.
  8. LUP issued. Display laminated permit copy prominently on site for entire construction period.
  9. Upon completion, request Land Use Compliance Certificate inspection.
  10. Town inspects (compliance officer, fire chief, and public works director).
  11. Land Use Compliance Certificate issued. Occupancy is prohibited until certificate is issued.

Source: Planning Department / Planning and Land Use, Town of Lincoln

General Requirements

All buildings and structures (including retaining walls greater than 4 feet in height) must have a Land Use Permit. All must comply with NH State Building Code and Fire Code.

Required Documents

  • Land Use Permit Application (Short or Long Form)
  • Site plans
  • Building plans with elevations and drainage
Building code
NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); NH State Fire Code.
Contractor requirements
NH state licensing required for electricians and plumbers.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Includes Water and Sewer Tap Fees, Bedroom Impact Fees, and permit fees. Re-submission fee: $100 after one month without completing application.
Payment note
Fees must be paid before LUP is issued. Contact Planning Department at (603) 745-8527 ext. 214 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning Department / Planning and Land Use, Town of Lincoln to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (603) 745-8527 ext. 214 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Land Use Compliance Certificate inspection upon project completion (compliance officer, fire chief, public works director present). All structures must be 100% complete with water meters and radio read boxes installed.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning Department / Planning and Land Use, Town of Lincoln before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Lincoln Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Lincoln, NH?
All buildings and structures (including retaining walls greater than 4 feet in height) must have a Land Use Permit. All must comply with NH State Building Code and Fire Code.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Lincoln, NH?
Fees are calculated as: Includes Water and Sewer Tap Fees, Bedroom Impact Fees, and permit fees. Re-submission fee: $100 after one month without completing application..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Lincoln, NH?
1. Determine whether the Short Form or Long Form application applies (contact Planning Dept. at (603) 745-8527 ext. 214 if unsure). 2. Download the appropriate fillable PDF application. 3. Prepare building plan and site plans showing elevations and drainage scales. 4. Complete Land Use Permit Application, Sewer Tap Assessment Form, and Water Tap Assessment Form as applicable. 5. Pay Water and Sewer Tap Fees and Bedroom Impact Fees (required before LUP is issued). 6. Submit application to Town Hall. 7. Applicant has one month to supply any outstanding items; after 1 month a $100 re-submission fee applies. 8. LUP issued. Display laminated permit copy prominently on site for entire construction period. 9. Upon completion, request Land Use Compliance Certificate inspection. 10. Town inspects (compliance officer, fire chief, and public works director). 11. Land Use Compliance Certificate issued. Occupancy is prohibited until certificate is issued.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Lincoln, NH?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 745-8527 ext. 214.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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