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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Concord
New construction, additions, alterations, renovations, structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, change of occupancy.
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)
- Exempt Interior painting, wallpapering, and similar cosmetic finishes
- Exempt Replacement of fixtures such as windows and doors where no structural change occurs (verify with department)
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repairs that do not affect structural integrity or building systems
- Exempt Small accessory structures below threshold size (varies by zoning district; confirm with department)
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Create an account or log in to the CSS Permit Portal.
- 02 Select the permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.).
- 03 Complete all required fields on the application form and attach required documents and plans.
- 04 Submit the application online.
- 05 The department reviews for zoning compliance and plan requirements; Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment approval required if applicable.
- 06 Applicant is notified of fees by phone, email, or written notice.
- 07 Pay all fees in full before permit issuance.
- 08 Permit issued; post permit on site.
- 09 Schedule required inspections through the portal.
- 10 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 7/1/2024 and 7/1/2025 available for download
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not stated in public-facing content; contact department at (603) 225-8580.
02
Plan check fee
Included in fee schedule (separate plan review fee for commercial projects).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 7/1/2024 and 7/1/2025 available for download) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Contact Code Administration at (603) 225-8580 for current inspection windows.
Typical sequence: Foundation (before concrete pour), framing (before wall closure), insulation, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Concord permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Concord, NH? ▸
New construction, additions, alterations, renovations, structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, change of occupancy.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Concord, NH? ▸
Building permit fees in Concord, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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)..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Concord, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Concord, NH, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Concord, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Concord, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Concord, NH via: Online portal.
last verified April 2026
source City of Concord Code Administration ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/merrimack/concord
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Concord Code Administration before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.