Amherst, NH — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Office of Community Development - Building and Code Enforcement

Street address

2 Main Street (Amherst Town Hall), Amherst, NH 03031

Phone

(603) 673-6041 ext. 206

jyule@amherstnh.gov

Coverage

Town of Amherst; issues building, septic, sign, and demolition permits; enforces zoning and code.

Online portal

Amherst Forms, Permits and Fees

Online permitting temporarily suspended (software transition); contact department for current status

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Amherst

All new construction, additions, remodels, demolition, sheds, decks, porches, new and replacement septic systems, swimming pools, signs, roofs, and other building improvements. No work can begin without an approved permit. Properties in the Historic District may require Historic District Commission approval for exterior work.

Note: No specific exempt work list found on public pages. Note that roofs are listed as requiring permits in Amherst. Contact Building Inspector at (603) 673-6041 ext. 214 for exempt work list.

Required documents

Completed application
Building permit submittal requirements document
Hazardous material testing results for demolition (required by State of NH)

Building code: Effective January 1, 2025: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IEBC, 2018 IECC, 2021 ISPS, 2020 NEC (NFPA 70), 2021 Fire Code (NFPA 1), 2021 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).
Permit validity: Not specified; contact department.
Owner-builder: Not specified; contact Building Inspector at (603) 673-6041 ext. 214.
Contractor requirements: NH state licenses required for electrical, plumbing, and gas work.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 30 days residential / 60 days commercial per RSA 676:13.

01

Contact department at (603) 673-6041 ext. 206 or jyule@amherstnh.gov for current submission procedures.
02

Complete building permit application (available at https://www.amherstnh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4116/f/uploads/building_permit_app-complete-oct-2025.pdf).
03

Gather required documents per project type.
04

Submit application with full payment; permit review will not commence until payment received in full.
05

State law: 30 days for completed residential applications; 60 days for completed commercial applications (RSA 676:13).
06

Permit issued upon approval; post on job site.
07

Schedule inspections during inspection hours (Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm).
08

Final inspection and certificate.

Typical processing time: 30 days residential / 60 days commercial per RSA 676:13.

Source: Office of Community Development - Building and Code Enforcement ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Amherst building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

Not specified; contact department for current minimums

Plan check fee

Included; see fee schedule

Permit fee formula

Fee based on size of job; see fee schedule PDF

Reinspection fee

Not specified; contact department

Cash, check, debit, or credit card (3% card surcharge); payment required in full before permit review begins

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(603) 673-6041 ext. 206 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (inspections); Building Inspector in office Mon-Fri 8 am - 3 pm

Typical sequence: Per project; contact Building Inspector.

Source: Office of Community Development - Building and Code Enforcement ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Amherst permits

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

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

Building permit fees in Amherst, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not specified; contact department for current minimums. Fees are calculated as: Fee based on size of job; see fee schedule PDF. Plan check fee: Included; see fee schedule.

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

To apply for a building permit in Amherst, NH, follow these steps: 1. Contact department at (603) 673-6041 ext. 206 or jyule@amherstnh.gov for current submission procedures. 2. Complete building permit application (available at https://www.amherstnh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4116/f/uploads/building_permit_app-complete-oct-2025.pdf). 3. Gather required documents per project type. 4. Submit application with full payment; permit review will not commence until payment received in full. 5. State law: 30 days for completed residential applications; 60 days for completed commercial applications (RSA 676:13). 6. Permit issued upon approval; post on job site. 7. Schedule inspections during inspection hours (Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm). 8. Final inspection and certificate.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Amherst, NH? ▸

Building permit processing times in Amherst, NH typically run 30 days residential / 60 days commercial per RSA 676:13.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Amherst, NH via: (603) 673-6041 ext. 206.

last verified April 2026 source Office of Community Development - Building and Code Enforcement ↗ entry id permits/new-hampshire/hillsborough/amherst

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Office of Community Development - Building and Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Amherst

Other jurisdictions in Hillsborough County.