City Building Permits
Dover, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Dover, New Hampshire. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
City of Dover issues all building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and occupancy permits within city limits.
- Department
- Community Services -- Planning and Community Development
- Address
- City Hall, 288 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820
- Phone
- (603) 516-6450
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Proprietary • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Create an account at https://permits.dover.nh.gov.
- Submit a complete application with all required plans and documents through the portal.
- Pay the application fee at submission.
- Staff review the application; incomplete applications will be returned.
- Planning and Inspection Services reviews plans for code compliance.
- Permit is issued once all reviews are passed.
- Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling (603) 516-6038.
- Receive Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection is passed.
Typical processing time: 1 to 2 months after a complete application is submitted; allows additional time for large or complex projects.
Source: Community Services -- Planning and Community Development
General Requirements
Any construction, enlargement, alteration, relocation, or demolition of a structure; change of occupancy; change of use; installation or alteration of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems regulated by the Building Code.
Required Documents
- Floor plans
- Foundation plans
- Framing plans with details
- Building code
- NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A), which incorporates the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and related International Codes with NH amendments.
- Contractor requirements
- Electricians, plumbers, and gas fitters must be licensed by the State of New Hampshire.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $250
- Plan check fee
- Included in application review
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based; specific rate in FY2025 fee schedule document
- Reinspection fee
- Doubled if work is started before a permit is issued; maximum penalty $10,000 per permit
- Payment note
- Payment due at application submission via online portal
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Simple and normal maintenance and repairs, provided the cost does not exceed $2,500
- Sheds less than 200 square feet
- Fences that do not exceed 7 feet in height
- Painting
- Replacing floor coverings (like-for-like)
Important: Contact Community Services at (603) 516-6450 to confirm whether specific work is exempt.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Online portal (online)
- (603) 516-6038 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 2 business days notice recommended
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation; rough framing; rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation; drywall (before tape and mud); final inspection
Additional Resources
- Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A), which incorporates the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and related International Codes with NH amendments.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Inspection Services FAQ
- eCode360 Building Chapter
- 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 Community Services -- Planning and Community Development before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dover Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Dover, NH?
- Any construction, enlargement, alteration, relocation, or demolition of a structure; change of occupancy; change of use; installation or alteration of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems regulated by the Building Code.
- How much does a building permit cost in Dover, NH?
- The minimum permit fee is $250. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; specific rate in FY2025 fee schedule document. Plan check fee: Included in application review.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Dover, NH?
- 1. Create an account at https://permits.dover.nh.gov. 2. Submit a complete application with all required plans and documents through the portal. 3. Pay the application fee at submission. 4. Staff review the application; incomplete applications will be returned. 5. Planning and Inspection Services reviews plans for code compliance. 6. Permit is issued once all reviews are passed. 7. Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling (603) 516-6038. 8. Receive Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection is passed.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Dover, NH?
- Typical processing time is 1 to 2 months after a complete application is submitted; allows additional time for large or complex projects..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Dover, NH?
- The following work is generally exempt: Simple and normal maintenance and repairs, provided the cost does not exceed $2,500; Sheds less than 200 square feet; Fences that do not exceed 7 feet in height; Painting; Replacing floor coverings (like-for-like). Note: Contact Community Services at (603) 516-6450 to confirm whether specific work is exempt.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Dover, NH?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Online portal, (603) 516-6038. At least 2 business days notice recommended.
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