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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hillsborough
New construction, additions, decks, sheds over 200 sq ft, remodels, and other structural work. Contact Michael Borden for full list.
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)
- Exempt Like-kind electrical fixture replacement
- Exempt Electrical systems under 25 volts/50 watts
- Exempt Licensed electrician circuit extensions (electrical)
- Exempt Like-kind plumbing fixture replacement
- Exempt Plumbing repairs or relocation under 10 feet by licensed plumber
- Exempt Leak repairs
- Exempt Like-kind mechanical equipment replacement
- Exempt Refrigeration systems at or under 10 lbs refrigerant or 1 HP motors
- Exempt 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.
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)
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) plus state electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes. Contact department for current adopted editions.
- Permit validity
- 12 months from date of Selectmen approval. Renewal: 50% of original fee (minimum $50). Construction must start within 180 days of issuance.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission; state law requires 30 days.
- 01 Apply online through town permit system or obtain application in person.
- 02 Submit fully dimensioned plans to scale.
- 03 Complete Energy Code Worksheet.
- 04 Provide heating system type and installer information, chimney details, licensed electrician and plumber names and license numbers, property ownership, builder contact, driveway permit documentation.
- 05 Submit state-approved septic design if required.
- 06 Building Department has 30 days to review; most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission.
- 07 Pay required fees (permit is valid for 12 months from date of Selectmen approval).
- 08 Post permit on job site.
- 09 Schedule inspections with 48-hour advance notice.
- 10 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hillsborough building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25 (demolition); $50 (most permit types); $100 (commercial buildings)
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
03
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.
04
Trade permit fee
$50 residential / $100 commercial (flat)
05
Reinspection fee
$25 reinspection fee
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fee for unpermitted work
In-person during office hours (Mon-Thu 8 am - 4:30 pm; Fri 8 am - noon); contact department for payment methods
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Inspector conducts onsite inspections as needed; contact department for sequence.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Hillsborough permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Hillsborough, NH? ▸
New construction, additions, decks, sheds over 200 sq ft, remodels, and other structural work. Contact Michael Borden for full list.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hillsborough, NH? ▸
Building permit fees in Hillsborough, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hillsborough, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Hillsborough, NH, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Hillsborough, NH? ▸
Building permit processing times in Hillsborough, NH typically run Most permits reviewed within 48 hours of complete submission; state law requires 30 days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Hillsborough, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hillsborough, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hillsborough, NH via: (603) 464-3877 ext. 259 (48-hour advance notice required). 48-hour advance notice required..
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspector / Health Officer Office ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/hillsborough/hillsborough-town
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspector / Health Officer Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.