How much does a building permit cost in Manchester, NH?

The minimum permit fee is $25 non-refundable processing fee per application; see fee schedule PDF for permit-specific minimums. Fees are calculated as: Fee schedule based on project type and valuation; see fee schedule PDF. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; see fee schedule PDF.

How do I apply for a building permit in Manchester, NH?

1. Obtain application online or request by mail/phone from PCD. 2. Complete application with all required project information and plans. 3. Submit application and plans online through the Accela portal or in person at One City Hall Plaza West Wing. 4. PCD reviews for compliance with adopted codes and zoning; state law requires action within 30 days for residential, 60 days for commercial. 5. Pay permit fees upon approval. 6. Pick up or receive permit; post on job site. 7. Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction. 8. Obtain final Certificate of Compliance upon successful final inspection.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Manchester, NH?

Typical processing time is State law requires review within 30 days (residential) / 60 days (commercial)..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Manchester, NH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 624-6450, Accela portal (may be available).

City Building Permits

Manchester, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Hillsborough County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Manchester; enforces local building code and all adopted state codes within city limits.

Department: Planning and Community Development Department - Building Division
Address: One City Hall Plaza, West Wing, Manchester, NH 03101
Phone: (603) 624-6450
Email: PCD@ManchesterNH.gov
Website: https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Comm-Dev/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open Manchester Permit Applications (Accela)

Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Obtain application online or request by mail/phone from PCD.
Complete application with all required project information and plans.
Submit application and plans online through the Accela portal or in person at One City Hall Plaza West Wing.
PCD reviews for compliance with adopted codes and zoning; state law requires action within 30 days for residential, 60 days for commercial.
Pay permit fees upon approval.
Pick up or receive permit; post on job site.
Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction.
Obtain final Certificate of Compliance upon successful final inspection.

Typical processing time: State law requires review within 30 days (residential) / 60 days (commercial).

Source: Planning and Community Development Department - Building Division

General Requirements

Permit required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, change of occupancy, installation of mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems. Manchester deleted certain standard IRC R105.2 exemptions, making more work subject to permits than the base code allows.

Required Documents

Completed application
Dimensioned construction plans
Site plan
Energy code compliance documentation
Additional documents based on project type (e.g., structural calculations, septic approvals, driveway permits)

Permit validity: NH general practice is 12 months from issuance with possible renewal; contact PCD for Manchester-specific policy.
Building code: Effective July 1, 2024: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC (gas piping per NFPA 54), 2021 IPC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 ISPS, 2018 IECC, 2020 NEC (NFPA 70); with State and local amendments.
Owner-builder: Not specified on public-facing pages; contact PCD for owner-builder provisions.
Contractor requirements: NH state licenses required for plumbing, electrical, and gas work. General contractors do not require a state license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25 non-refundable processing fee per application; see fee schedule PDF for permit-specific minimums
Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; see fee schedule PDF
Permit fee formula: Fee schedule based on project type and valuation; see fee schedule PDF
Reinspection fee: Contact PCD for current reinspection fee
Payment note: Payments accepted online and in person; contact PCD at (603) 624-6450 or PCD@ManchesterNH.gov

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning and Community Development Department - Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 624-6450 (phone)
Accela portal (may be available) (online)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, standard city business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footing, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, insulation, final.

Additional Resources

Building code: Effective July 1, 2024: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC (gas piping per NFPA 54), 2021 IPC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 ISPS, 2018 IECC, 2020 NEC (NFPA 70); with State and local amendments.
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 Planning and Community Development Department - Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manchester Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Manchester, NH?: Permit required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, demolition, change of occupancy, installation of mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems. Manchester deleted certain standard IRC R105.2 exemptions, making more work subject to permits than the base code allows.
How much does a building permit cost in Manchester, NH?: The minimum permit fee is $25 non-refundable processing fee per application; see fee schedule PDF for permit-specific minimums. Fees are calculated as: Fee schedule based on project type and valuation; see fee schedule PDF. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure; see fee schedule PDF.
How do I apply for a building permit in Manchester, NH?: 1. Obtain application online or request by mail/phone from PCD. 2. Complete application with all required project information and plans. 3. Submit application and plans online through the Accela portal or in person at One City Hall Plaza West Wing. 4. PCD reviews for compliance with adopted codes and zoning; state law requires action within 30 days for residential, 60 days for commercial. 5. Pay permit fees upon approval. 6. Pick up or receive permit; post on job site. 7. Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction. 8. Obtain final Certificate of Compliance upon successful final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Manchester, NH?: Typical processing time is State law requires review within 30 days (residential) / 60 days (commercial)..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Manchester, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 624-6450, Accela portal (may be available).

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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.