On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nashua
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.
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.
- Exempt Sheds under 200 square feet do not require a building permit, though a Land Use Permit is required for any shed.
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Completed building and land use permit application
- Plan requirements per project type (residential or commercial/multi-family)
- Energy code compliance documentation
- Building code
- NH State Building Code RSA 155-A; 2018-2021 ICC editions effective December 31, 2024 per HB 1681 (signed August 2, 2024).
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Building Safety Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not specified; contact Building Safety Department at (603) 589-3080.
- 01 Download fillable permit application PDF from the Permits page or pick up at Building Safety Department.
- 02 Complete application using Adobe Acrobat Reader or print and fill by hand.
- 03 Submit via email to permits@nashuanh.gov, by mail, or drop in the after-hours box at Elm Street entrance, City Hall.
- 04 Residential permits require one (1) set of paper plans; commercial/multi-family require plans per submittal requirements.
- 05 Pay fees; separate permits required for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.
- 06 Permit issued after review; post on job site.
- 07 Schedule inspections at least one business day in advance by calling (603) 589-3080.
- 08 Obtain final approval.
Typical processing time: Not specified; contact Building Safety Department at (603) 589-3080.
Source: Building Safety Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Nashua building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50 base building permit fee; plus $35 filing fee per permit; plus $25 Land Use review fee
02
Plan check fee
Included in fee structure; see Ordinance O-18-012
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
Not stated; contact department at (603) 589-3080
Office hours Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm; permit desk 8 am - 4:30 pm
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Per project type; contact Building Safety Department for sequence specific to your project.
Remote/Virtual Inspection (RVI) program available for eligible inspections.
Source: Building Safety Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nashua permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Nashua, NH? ▸
Building permit fees in Nashua, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Nashua, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Nashua, NH, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Nashua, NH? ▸
Building permit processing times in Nashua, NH typically run Not specified; contact Building Safety Department at (603) 589-3080.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Nashua, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Nashua, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Nashua, NH via: (603) 589-3080. At least one business day before inspection date; state permit number, type of inspection, address, and contact info required..
last verified April 2026
source Building Safety Department ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/hillsborough/nashua
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Safety Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.