How much does a building permit cost in Town of Hillsborough, NH?

The minimum permit fee is $25 (demolition); $50 (most permit types); $100 (commercial buildings). Fees are calculated as: Residential work (additions, decks, sheds over 200 sq ft): $50 + $0.25/sq ft. Commercial buildings: $100 + $0.25/sq ft. Residential trades (electrical, plumbing, gas): $50 flat. Commercial trades: $100 flat. Foundations only: $50. Pools and stoves: $50. Demolition: $25. Fences over 6 feet: $50. Sign permits: $25. Solar: $50 permit + $50 electrical + $0.25/sq ft per array panel.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Hillsborough, NH?

1. Apply online through town permit system or obtain application in person. 2. Submit fully dimensioned plans to scale. 3. Complete Energy Code Worksheet. 4. Provide heating system type and installer information, chimney details, licensed electrician and plumber names and license numbers, property ownership, builder contact, driveway permit documentation. 5. Submit state-approved septic design if required. 6. Building Department has 30 days to review; most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission. 7. Pay required fees (permit is valid for 12 months from date of Selectmen approval). 8. Post permit on job site. 9. Schedule inspections with 48-hour advance notice. 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance upon final inspection.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Hillsborough, NH?

The following work is generally exempt: Like-kind electrical fixture replacement; Electrical systems under 25 volts/50 watts; Licensed electrician circuit extensions (electrical); Like-kind plumbing fixture replacement; Plumbing repairs or relocation under 10 feet by licensed plumber; Leak repairs; Like-kind mechanical equipment replacement; Refrigeration systems at or under 10 lbs refrigerant or 1 HP motors; Sheds at or under 200 sq ft (may not require a permit; confirm with Building Inspector). Note: Contact Building Inspector for full list of structural exemptions.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Hillsborough, NH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 464-3877 ext. 259 (48-hour advance notice required). 48-hour advance notice required..

City Building Permits

Town of Hillsborough, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Hillsborough County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Hillsborough; Michael Borden, Building Inspector/Health Officer; Mary Whalen, Administrative Assistant at ext. 223.

Department: Building Inspector / Health Officer Office
Address: 27 School Street, PO Box 7, Hillsborough, NH 03244
Phone: (603) 464-3877 ext. 259
Email: buildinginspector@hillsboroughnh.net
Website: https://hillsboroughnh.org/building-inspector/

Online Permit Portal

Open Hillsborough Building Inspector

Platform: Online permit system available through town website; paper applications also accepted • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Apply online through town permit system or obtain application in person.
Submit fully dimensioned plans to scale.
Complete Energy Code Worksheet.
Provide heating system type and installer information, chimney details, licensed electrician and plumber names and license numbers, property ownership, builder contact, driveway permit documentation.
Submit state-approved septic design if required.
Building Department has 30 days to review; most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission.
Pay required fees (permit is valid for 12 months from date of Selectmen approval).
Post permit on job site.
Schedule inspections with 48-hour advance notice.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance upon final inspection.

Typical processing time: Most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission; state law requires 30 days.

Source: Building Inspector / Health Officer Office

General Requirements

New construction, additions, decks, sheds over 200 sq ft, remodels, and other structural work. Contact Michael Borden for full list.

Required Documents

Construction plans (fully dimensioned, to scale)
Site plan showing setbacks
Energy Code Worksheet
Licensed electrician and plumber names/license numbers
Heating system information
Chimney details
Driveway permit
State-approved septic design (if applicable)

Permit validity: 12 months from date of Selectmen approval. Renewal: 50% of original fee (minimum $50). Construction must start within 180 days of issuance.
Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) plus state electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes. Contact department for current adopted editions.
Owner-builder: Not specified; contact (603) 464-3877 ext. 259.
Contractor requirements: NH state licenses required for electrical, plumbing, and gas work; license numbers required on application.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25 (demolition); $50 (most permit types); $100 (commercial buildings)
Plan check fee: Included in permit fee
Permit fee formula: Residential work (additions, decks, sheds over 200 sq ft): $50 + $0.25/sq ft. Commercial buildings: $100 + $0.25/sq ft. Residential trades (electrical, plumbing, gas): $50 flat. Commercial trades: $100 flat. Foundations only: $50. Pools and stoves: $50. Demolition: $25. Fences over 6 feet: $50. Sign permits: $25. Solar: $50 permit + $50 electrical + $0.25/sq ft per array panel.
Trade permit fee: $50 residential / $100 commercial (flat)
Reinspection fee: $25 reinspection fee
Penalty (no permit): Double permit fee for unpermitted work
Payment note: In-person during office hours (Mon-Thu 8 am - 4:30 pm; Fri 8 am - noon); contact department for payment methods

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Like-kind electrical fixture replacement
Electrical systems under 25 volts/50 watts
Licensed electrician circuit extensions (electrical)
Like-kind plumbing fixture replacement
Plumbing repairs or relocation under 10 feet by licensed plumber
Leak repairs
Like-kind mechanical equipment replacement
Refrigeration systems at or under 10 lbs refrigerant or 1 HP motors
Sheds at or under 200 sq ft (may not require a permit; confirm with Building Inspector)

Important: Contact Building Inspector for full list of structural exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 464-3877 ext. 259 (48-hour advance notice required) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 48-hour advance notice required.
Inspection hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; Friday 8:00 am - noon

Typical inspection sequence: Inspector conducts onsite inspections as needed; contact department for sequence.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) plus state electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes. Contact department for current adopted editions.
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Building Inspector / Health Officer Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Hillsborough Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Hillsborough, NH?: New construction, additions, decks, sheds over 200 sq ft, remodels, and other structural work. Contact Michael Borden for full list.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Hillsborough, NH?: The minimum permit fee is $25 (demolition); $50 (most permit types); $100 (commercial buildings). Fees are calculated as: Residential work (additions, decks, sheds over 200 sq ft): $50 + $0.25/sq ft. Commercial buildings: $100 + $0.25/sq ft. Residential trades (electrical, plumbing, gas): $50 flat. Commercial trades: $100 flat. Foundations only: $50. Pools and stoves: $50. Demolition: $25. Fences over 6 feet: $50. Sign permits: $25. Solar: $50 permit + $50 electrical + $0.25/sq ft per array panel.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Hillsborough, NH?: 1. Apply online through town permit system or obtain application in person. 2. Submit fully dimensioned plans to scale. 3. Complete Energy Code Worksheet. 4. Provide heating system type and installer information, chimney details, licensed electrician and plumber names and license numbers, property ownership, builder contact, driveway permit documentation. 5. Submit state-approved septic design if required. 6. Building Department has 30 days to review; most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission. 7. Pay required fees (permit is valid for 12 months from date of Selectmen approval). 8. Post permit on job site. 9. Schedule inspections with 48-hour advance notice. 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance upon final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Hillsborough, NH?: Typical processing time is Most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission; state law requires 30 days..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Hillsborough, NH?: The following work is generally exempt: Like-kind electrical fixture replacement; Electrical systems under 25 volts/50 watts; Licensed electrician circuit extensions (electrical); Like-kind plumbing fixture replacement; Plumbing repairs or relocation under 10 feet by licensed plumber; Leak repairs; Like-kind mechanical equipment replacement; Refrigeration systems at or under 10 lbs refrigerant or 1 HP motors; Sheds at or under 200 sq ft (may not require a permit; confirm with Building Inspector). Note: Contact Building Inspector for full list of structural exemptions.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Hillsborough, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 464-3877 ext. 259 (48-hour advance notice required). 48-hour advance notice required..

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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.