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.
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
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine whether the Short Form or Long Form application applies (contact Planning Dept. at (603) 745-8527 ext. 214 if unsure).
- Download the appropriate fillable PDF application.
- Prepare building plan and site plans showing elevations and drainage scales.
- Complete Land Use Permit Application, Sewer Tap Assessment Form, and Water Tap Assessment Form as applicable.
- Pay Water and Sewer Tap Fees and Bedroom Impact Fees (required before LUP is issued).
- Submit application to Town Hall.
- Applicant has one month to supply any outstanding items; after 1 month a $100 re-submission fee applies.
- LUP issued. Display laminated permit copy prominently on site for entire construction period.
- Upon completion, request Land Use Compliance Certificate inspection.
- Town inspects (compliance officer, fire chief, and public works director).
- 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
- Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); NH State Fire Code.
- Verify contractor license: NH License Verification
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Planning Board
- 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 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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