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

The minimum permit fee is $50 base building permit fee; plus $35 filing fee per permit; plus $25 Land Use review fee. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based. Residential (one- and two-family, townhouses): $0.18/sq ft of area affected. Commercial (including multifamily): $0.28/sq ft of area affected. Confirm current rates via fee schedule document.. Plan check fee: Included in fee structure; see Ordinance O-18-012.

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

1. Download fillable permit application PDF from the Permits page or pick up at Building Safety Department. 2. Complete application using Adobe Acrobat Reader or print and fill by hand. 3. Submit via email to permits@nashuanh.gov, by mail, or drop in the after-hours box at Elm Street entrance, City Hall. 4. Residential permits require one (1) set of paper plans; commercial/multi-family require plans per submittal requirements. 5. Pay fees; separate permits required for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. 6. Permit issued after review; post on job site. 7. Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance by calling (603) 589-3080. 8. Obtain final approval.

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

Typical processing time is Not specified; contact Building Safety Department at (603) 589-3080..

What work is exempt from building permits in Nashua, NH?

The following work is generally exempt: Sheds under 200 square feet do not require a building permit, though a Land Use Permit is required for any shed.; Re-roofing one- and two-family residences with asphalt shingles does not require a permit if work follows building code standards.. Note: Contact Building Safety Department for complete list of exempt categories.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 589-3080. At least one business day before inspection date; state permit number, type of inspection, address, and contact info required..

City Building Permits

Nashua, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Hillsborough County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Nashua; administers building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and land use permits within city limits.

Department: Building Safety Department
Address: 229 Main Street, 2nd Floor of City Hall, Nashua, NH 03060
Phone: (603) 589-3080
Email: BuildingDepartment@nashuanh.gov
Website: https://www.nashuanh.gov/275/Building-Safety-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open Nashua Permits Page

Platform: Fillable PDF forms submitted by email or in person • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download fillable permit application PDF from the Permits page or pick up at Building Safety Department.
Complete application using Adobe Acrobat Reader or print and fill by hand.
Submit via email to permits@nashuanh.gov, by mail, or drop in the after-hours box at Elm Street entrance, City Hall.
Residential permits require one (1) set of paper plans; commercial/multi-family require plans per submittal requirements.
Pay fees; separate permits required for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.
Permit issued after review; post on job site.
Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance by calling (603) 589-3080.
Obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: Not specified; contact Building Safety Department at (603) 589-3080.

Source: Building Safety Department

General Requirements

Building permits required for construction projects. Separate permits required for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. Site plan changes and change of use require Planning and Zoning approval.

Required Documents

Completed building and land use permit application
Plan requirements per project type (residential or commercial/multi-family)
Energy code compliance documentation

Permit validity: Permits valid for 6 months. If work has not begun or is abandoned, no refund issued. Only 50% of permit fee (excluding non-refundable application fee) may be refunded if no work has commenced.
Building code: NH State Building Code RSA 155-A; 2018-2021 ICC editions effective December 31, 2024 per HB 1681 (signed August 2, 2024).
Owner-builder: Not specified on public pages; contact Building Safety Department.
Contractor requirements: NH state licenses required for plumbing and electrical. As of January 1, 2008, NH Gas Fitter License required for gas piping and gas-fired equipment installation.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50 base building permit fee; plus $35 filing fee per permit; plus $25 Land Use review fee
Plan check fee: Included in fee structure; see Ordinance O-18-012
Permit fee formula: Square-footage-based. Residential (one- and two-family, townhouses): $0.18/sq ft of area affected. Commercial (including multifamily): $0.28/sq ft of area affected. Confirm current rates via fee schedule document.
Reinspection fee: Not stated; contact department at (603) 589-3080
Payment note: Office hours Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm; permit desk 8 am - 4:30 pm

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Sheds under 200 square feet do not require a building permit, though a Land Use Permit is required for any shed.
Re-roofing one- and two-family residences with asphalt shingles does not require a permit if work follows building code standards.

Important: Contact Building Safety Department for complete list of exempt categories.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 589-3080 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: At least one business day before inspection date; state permit number, type of inspection, address, and contact info required.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Per project type; contact Building Safety Department for sequence specific to your project.

Remote/Virtual Inspection (RVI) program available for eligible inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code RSA 155-A; 2018-2021 ICC editions effective December 31, 2024 per HB 1681 (signed August 2, 2024).
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 Safety Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashua Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Nashua, NH?: Building permits required for construction projects. Separate permits required for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. Site plan changes and change of use require Planning and Zoning approval.
How much does a building permit cost in Nashua, NH?: The minimum permit fee is $50 base building permit fee; plus $35 filing fee per permit; plus $25 Land Use review fee. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage-based. Residential (one- and two-family, townhouses): $0.18/sq ft of area affected. Commercial (including multifamily): $0.28/sq ft of area affected. Confirm current rates via fee schedule document.. Plan check fee: Included in fee structure; see Ordinance O-18-012.
How do I apply for a building permit in Nashua, NH?: 1. Download fillable permit application PDF from the Permits page or pick up at Building Safety Department. 2. Complete application using Adobe Acrobat Reader or print and fill by hand. 3. Submit via email to permits@nashuanh.gov, by mail, or drop in the after-hours box at Elm Street entrance, City Hall. 4. Residential permits require one (1) set of paper plans; commercial/multi-family require plans per submittal requirements. 5. Pay fees; separate permits required for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. 6. Permit issued after review; post on job site. 7. Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance by calling (603) 589-3080. 8. Obtain final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Nashua, NH?: Typical processing time is Not specified; contact Building Safety Department at (603) 589-3080..
What work is exempt from building permits in Nashua, NH?: The following work is generally exempt: Sheds under 200 square feet do not require a building permit, though a Land Use Permit is required for any shed.; Re-roofing one- and two-family residences with asphalt shingles does not require a permit if work follows building code standards.. Note: Contact Building Safety Department for complete list of exempt categories.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Nashua, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 589-3080. At least one business day before inspection date; state permit number, type of inspection, address, and contact info 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.