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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Durham
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.
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
- 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)
- Exempt Simple plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, clearing stoppages, repairing leaks in pipes or fixtures without replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair not altering structure, systems, or occupancy
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1 to 2 weeks after complete application; up to 4 weeks for large residential projects; 2 weeks during summer months.
- 01 Download the building permit application from https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/forms.
- 02 Complete the application with project details, construction value, and contractor info.
- 03 Email the completed application to [email protected].
- 04 Submit all required plans and fee payment to the Building Inspector's office.
- 05 Application is not considered complete until plans and fees are received.
- 06 Building Inspector reviews for compliance with codes and zoning setbacks.
- 07 No permit issued until the Public Works Director has inspected and approved the driveway (if applicable).
- 08 Permit issued; post on job site.
- 09 Schedule inspections by contacting the office.
- 10 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective April 30, 2007
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Per fee schedule effective April 30, 2007 (contact the department for any updates).
Fees submitted with plans to the Building Inspector's office.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective April 30, 2007) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Footing/foundation; rough framing; rough trades (before covering); insulation; final inspection; occupancy permit issued after final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Durham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Durham, NH? ▸
Building permit fees in Durham, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Per fee schedule effective April 30, 2007 (contact the department for any updates).. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Durham, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Durham, NH, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Durham, NH? ▸
Building permit processing times in Durham, NH typically run 1 to 2 weeks after complete application; up to 4 weeks for large residential projects; 2 weeks during summer months.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Durham, NH? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Durham, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Durham, NH via: (603) 868-8064.
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/strafford/durham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.