How much does a building permit cost in Town of Portsmouth, NH?

The minimum permit fee is $75 (residential); $150 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based -- $8/$1,000 construction cost (residential 1-2 family);. Plan check fee: $50 per contractor per submission; $50 per plan revision.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Portsmouth, NH?

Typical processing time is Varies by complexity and seasonal workload; contact department.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Portsmouth, NH?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs not exceeding $3,000 in value; Painting and decorating; Floor repair and replacement (like-for-like); Window and door repair/replacement (no structural changes); Re-roofing material replacement (no structural changes). Note: Exemptions do not apply if work involves structural alterations, egress modifications,

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Portsmouth, NH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov (formerly ViewPoint Cloud; redirects to OpenGov).

City Building Permits

Town of Portsmouth, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Rockingham County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Portsmouth issues all building, electrical, plumbing,

Department: Inspection Department
Address: City Hall, 1 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: (603) 610-7243
Email: srwolph@portsmouthnh.gov (Chief Building Inspector Shanti Wolph)
Website: https://www.portsmouthnh.gov/inspection

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov (formerly ViewPoint Cloud; redirects to OpenGov)

Platform: OpenGov (formerly ViewPoint Cloud; redirects to OpenGov) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Typical processing time: Varies by complexity and seasonal workload; contact department

Source: Inspection Department

General Requirements

New construction, additions, renovations, change of use or

Required Documents

Plans showing scope of work
site plan showing lot
all structures

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC with NH amendments
Owner-builder: Not specified publicly
Contractor requirements: State-licensed electricians, plumbers, gas fitters required

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $75 (residential); $150 (commercial)
Plan check fee: $50 per contractor per submission; $50 per plan revision
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based -- $8/$1,000 construction cost (residential 1-2 family);
Payment note: Payment via online portal at time of submission; all fees rounded

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs not exceeding $3,000 in value
Painting and decorating
Floor repair and replacement (like-for-like)
Window and door repair/replacement (no structural changes)
Re-roofing material replacement (no structural changes)

Important: Exemptions do not apply if work involves structural alterations, egress modifications,

Inspections

How to Schedule

OpenGov (formerly ViewPoint Cloud; redirects to OpenGov) (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical,

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC with NH amendments
Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
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 Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Portsmouth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Portsmouth, NH?: New construction, additions, renovations, change of use or
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Portsmouth, NH?: The minimum permit fee is $75 (residential); $150 (commercial). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based -- $8/$1,000 construction cost (residential 1-2 family);. Plan check fee: $50 per contractor per submission; $50 per plan revision.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Portsmouth, NH?: Typical processing time is Varies by complexity and seasonal workload; contact department.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Portsmouth, NH?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs not exceeding $3,000 in value; Painting and decorating; Floor repair and replacement (like-for-like); Window and door repair/replacement (no structural changes); Re-roofing material replacement (no structural changes). Note: Exemptions do not apply if work involves structural alterations, egress modifications,
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Portsmouth, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov (formerly ViewPoint Cloud; redirects to OpenGov).

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Portsmouth can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.