City Building Permits
Concord, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Concord, New Hampshire. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
City of Concord issues building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire prevention, demolition, and change-of-occupancy permits for all work within city limits.
- Department
- City of Concord Code Administration
- Address
- 37 Green Street, Concord, NH 03301
- Phone
- (603) 225-8580
Online Permit Portal
Platform: EnerGov Citizen Self Service (CSS) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Create an account or log in to the CSS Permit Portal.
- Select the permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.).
- Complete all required fields on the application form and attach required documents and plans.
- Submit the application online.
- The department reviews for zoning compliance and plan requirements; Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment approval required if applicable.
- Applicant is notified of fees by phone, email, or written notice.
- Pay all fees in full before permit issuance.
- Permit issued; post permit on site.
- Schedule required inspections through the portal.
- Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection.
General Requirements
New construction, additions, alterations, renovations, structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, change of occupancy.
Required Documents
- Completed application
- site plan showing property and proposed work
- floor plans and elevations
- construction material details
- any required ZBA or Planning Board approvals
- State DES permits (Alteration of Terrain
- Shoreland
- Wetland) if applicable. Commercial projects require 2018 IBC/IEBC-compliant commercial plan set. Energy code compliance documentation per Concord Energy Code Bulletin 2022-01.
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); 2022 Energy Code standards.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Not stated in public-facing content; contact department at (603) 225-8580.
- Plan check fee
- Included in fee schedule (separate plan review fee for commercial projects).
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 7/1/2024 and 7/1/2025 available for download).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Interior painting, wallpapering, and similar cosmetic finishes
- Replacement of fixtures such as windows and doors where no structural change occurs (verify with department)
- Ordinary maintenance and repairs that do not affect structural integrity or building systems
- Small accessory structures below threshold size (varies by zoning district; confirm with department)
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Online portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Contact Code Administration at (603) 225-8580 for current inspection windows.
Typical inspection sequence: Foundation (before concrete pour), framing (before wall closure), insulation, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, final inspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); 2022 Energy Code standards.
- 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 City of Concord Code Administration before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concord Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Concord, NH?
- New construction, additions, alterations, renovations, structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, change of occupancy.
- How much does a building permit cost in Concord, NH?
- The minimum permit fee is Not stated in public-facing content; contact department at (603) 225-8580.. Plan check fee: Included in fee schedule (separate plan review fee for commercial projects)..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Concord, NH?
- 1. Create an account or log in to the CSS Permit Portal. 2. Select the permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.). 3. Complete all required fields on the application form and attach required documents and plans. 4. Submit the application online. 5. The department reviews for zoning compliance and plan requirements; Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment approval required if applicable. 6. Applicant is notified of fees by phone, email, or written notice. 7. Pay all fees in full before permit issuance. 8. Permit issued; post permit on site. 9. Schedule required inspections through the portal. 10. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Concord, NH?
- The following work is generally exempt: Interior painting, wallpapering, and similar cosmetic finishes; Replacement of fixtures such as windows and doors where no structural change occurs (verify with department); Ordinary maintenance and repairs that do not affect structural integrity or building systems; Small accessory structures below threshold size (varies by zoning district; confirm with department).
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Concord, NH?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Online portal.
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