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

Fees are calculated as: Per fee schedule effective April 30, 2007 (contact the department for any updates).. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Durham, NH?

1. Download the building permit application from https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/forms. 2. Complete the application with project details, construction value, and contractor info. 3. Email the completed application to [email protected]. 4. Submit all required plans and fee payment to the Building Inspector's office. 5. Application is not considered complete until plans and fees are received. 6. Building Inspector reviews for compliance with codes and zoning setbacks. 7. No permit issued until the Public Works Director has inspected and approved the driveway (if applicable). 8. Permit issued; post on job site. 9. Schedule inspections by contacting the office. 10. Occupancy permit issued after final inspection passes.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq ft (but a Building Permit Application must still be submitted for Zoning Setback review at no fee); Simple plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks in pipes or fixtures without replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures; Ordinary maintenance and repair not altering structure, systems, or occupancy.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 868-8064.

City Building Permits

Town of Durham, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Strafford County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Durham issues all building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits within town limits.

Department: Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer
Address: 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824
Phone: (603) 868-8064
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/building

Online Permit Portal

Open Town of Durham Building Permits

Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Forms

Application Process

Download the building permit application from https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/forms.
Complete the application with project details, construction value, and contractor info.
Email the completed application to [email protected].
Submit all required plans and fee payment to the Building Inspector's office.
Application is not considered complete until plans and fees are received.
Building Inspector reviews for compliance with codes and zoning setbacks.
No permit issued until the Public Works Director has inspected and approved the driveway (if applicable).
Permit issued; post on job site.
Schedule inspections by contacting the office.
Occupancy permit issued after final inspection passes.

Typical processing time: 1 to 2 weeks after complete application; up to 4 weeks for large residential projects; 2 weeks during summer months.

Source: Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

General Requirements

Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, demolition, or change of occupancy; installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan
Floor plans for all levels
At least two elevations
Relevant sections and specifications
Licensed contractor info

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) with applicable International Codes and NH amendments.
Contractor requirements: All trade contractors must hold valid NH state licenses.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in permit fee
Permit fee formula: Per fee schedule effective April 30, 2007 (contact the department for any updates).
Payment note: Fees submitted with plans to the Building Inspector's office.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective April 30, 2007).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq ft (but a Building Permit Application must still be submitted for Zoning Setback review at no fee)
Simple plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks in pipes or fixtures without replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures
Ordinary maintenance and repair not altering structure, systems, or occupancy

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 868-8064 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation; rough framing; rough trades (before covering); insulation; final inspection; occupancy permit issued after final.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) with applicable International Codes and NH amendments.
Zoning information: View zoning info
FAQ
Code Enforcement Permit Forms
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 Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Durham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Durham, NH?: Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, demolition, or change of occupancy; installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Durham, NH?: Fees are calculated as: Per fee schedule effective April 30, 2007 (contact the department for any updates).. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Durham, NH?: 1. Download the building permit application from https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/forms. 2. Complete the application with project details, construction value, and contractor info. 3. Email the completed application to [email protected]. 4. Submit all required plans and fee payment to the Building Inspector's office. 5. Application is not considered complete until plans and fees are received. 6. Building Inspector reviews for compliance with codes and zoning setbacks. 7. No permit issued until the Public Works Director has inspected and approved the driveway (if applicable). 8. Permit issued; post on job site. 9. Schedule inspections by contacting the office. 10. Occupancy permit issued after final inspection passes.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Durham, NH?: Typical processing time is 1 to 2 weeks after complete application; up to 4 weeks for large residential projects; 2 weeks during summer months..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Durham, NH?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq ft (but a Building Permit Application must still be submitted for Zoning Setback review at no fee); Simple plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks in pipes or fixtures without replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures; Ordinary maintenance and repair not altering structure, systems, or occupancy.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Durham, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 868-8064.

Need help with your project?

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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.

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