Dover, NH — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Community Services -- Planning and Community Development

Street address

City Hall, 288 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820

Phone

(603) 516-6450

Coverage

City of Dover issues all building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and occupancy permits within city limits.

Online portal

City of Dover Permit Portal

Proprietary

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Online Services ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Dover

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Simple and normal maintenance and repairs, provided the cost does not exceed $2,500

Exempt

Sheds less than 200 square feet

Exempt

Fences that do not exceed 7 feet in height

Exempt

Painting

Exempt

Replacing floor coverings (like-for-like)

Exempt

Exempt Simple and normal maintenance and repairs, provided the cost does not exceed $2,500
Exempt Sheds less than 200 square feet
Exempt Fences that do not exceed 7 feet in height
Exempt Painting
Exempt Replacing floor coverings (like-for-like)

Note: Contact Community Services at (603) 516-6450 to confirm whether specific work is exempt.

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.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 1 to 2 months after a complete application is submitted; allows additional time for large or complex projects.

01

Create an account at https://permits.dover.nh.gov.
02

Submit a complete application with all required plans and documents through the portal.
03

Pay the application fee at submission.
04

Staff review the application; incomplete applications will be returned.
05

Planning and Inspection Services reviews plans for code compliance.
06

Permit is issued once all reviews are passed.
07

Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling (603) 516-6038.
08

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Dover building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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 due at application submission via online portal

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 sequence: Footing/foundation; rough framing; rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation; drywall (before tape and mud); final inspection

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Dover permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Dover, NH? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Dover, NH? ▸

Building permit fees in Dover, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Dover, NH? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Dover, NH, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Dover, NH? ▸

Building permit processing times in Dover, NH typically run 1 to 2 months after a complete application is submitted; allows additional time for large or complex projects.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Dover, NH? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Dover, NH? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Dover, NH via: Online portal, (603) 516-6038. At least 2 business days notice recommended.

last verified April 2026 source Community Services -- Planning and Community Development ↗ entry id permits/new-hampshire/strafford/dover

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Services -- Planning and Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Dover

Other jurisdictions in Strafford County.