On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bow
Decks, dormers, electrical work, HVAC systems, LP/natural gas fitting, renovation projects, plumbing, porches, sheds over 200 square feet, swimming pools (above-ground and in-ground), roof installation, new construction, additions.
Work not listed in the permit-required categories above (e.g., sheds 200 sq ft or under; contact department to confirm).
Ordinary maintenance that does not involve structural or system changes.
Contact the Building Inspector at (603) 223-3974 to confirm whether specific work requires a permit.
- Exempt Work not listed in the permit-required categories above (e.g., sheds 200 sq ft or under; contact department to confirm).
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance that does not involve structural or system changes.
- Exempt Contact the Building Inspector at (603) 223-3974 to confirm whether specific work requires a permit.
Required documents
- Property address and owner information
- site or plot plan showing setbacks from property lines
- well
- and septic system
- two sets of construction plans (one 11x17
- one full-scale)
- estimated construction cost (excluding land
- well
- septic)
- Energy Code Compliance documentation
- for renovations
- existing and new layout sketches with load-bearing wall notes. For new homes: septic design approval from Town of Bow and NH DES
- well drilling information and test results
- oil burner approval from Fire Department
- driveway permit from Road Agent
- sewer/water connection fees
- reflective street number.
- Building code
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with NH amendments, NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2020. Updated to align with NH State Building Code effective July 1, 2024.
Source: Bow Community Development Department - Building / Code Enforcement ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Create a Cloudpermit account at https://us.cloudpermit.com/.
- 02 Select permit type and complete the online application; upload plans and required documents.
- 03 Pay non-refundable application fee at time of submission (no review without fee).
- 04 Application reviewed for zoning compliance and code requirements.
- 05 Plans reviewed and approved.
- 06 Permit issued.
- 07 Schedule inspections online via Building Inspector's Outlook calendar booking system.
- 08 Certificate of Occupancy issued after final inspection.
Source: Bow Community Development Department - Building / Code Enforcement ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Bow building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not publicly summarized; see fee schedule PDF or contact department.
02
Plan check fee
Not separately stated; contact department.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM.
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, insulation, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, final.
Source: Bow Community Development Department - Building / Code Enforcement ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bow permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bow, NH? ▸
Decks, dormers, electrical work, HVAC systems, LP/natural gas fitting, renovation projects, plumbing, porches, sheds over 200 square feet, swimming pools (above-ground and in-ground), roof installation, new construction, additions.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bow, NH? ▸
Building permit fees in Bow, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not publicly summarized; see fee schedule PDF or contact department.. Plan check fee: Not separately stated; contact department..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bow, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Bow, NH, follow these steps: 1. Create a Cloudpermit account at https://us.cloudpermit.com/. 2. Select permit type and complete the online application; upload plans and required documents. 3. Pay non-refundable application fee at time of submission (no review without fee). 4. Application reviewed for zoning compliance and code requirements. 5. Plans reviewed and approved. 6. Permit issued. 7. Schedule inspections online via Building Inspector's Outlook calendar booking system. 8. Certificate of Occupancy issued after final inspection.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Bow, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Bow, NH. The following work is generally exempt: Work not listed in the permit-required categories above (e.g., sheds 200 sq ft or under; contact department to confirm).; Ordinary maintenance that does not involve structural or system changes.; Contact the Building Inspector at (603) 223-3974 to confirm whether specific work requires a permit.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bow, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bow, NH via: Online portal.
last verified April 2026
source Bow Community Development Department - Building / Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/merrimack/bow
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Bow Community Development Department - Building / Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.