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

1. Download Building Permit Application from the town website or pick up at town office. 2. If septic system is applicable to the project, obtain Septic Approval from the Selectboard before proceeding. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, applicable sub-permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). 4. Note: No Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy will be issued until any required deed is properly recorded. 5. Submit completed application; it will be routed for approval by Code Enforcement Officer, Highway Superintendent, Water and Sewer Superintendent, Planning and Zoning Administrator, Fire Chief/Inspector, Tax Collector (for manufactured home moves only). 6. Building Inspector Jon LeClair reviews and issues permit. 7. Post permit on job site during construction. 8. Schedule required inspections: footings/foundations must be inspected before pouring; rough-in work (plumbing and electrical concealed in walls) must be inspected before wall finish is installed. 9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 826-4400.

City Building Permits

Town of Charlestown, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Sullivan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Charlestown in southern Sullivan County; one of the larger towns in the county. Building Inspector Jon LeClair administers permits. All building permits must be reviewed and approved by multiple department heads before issuance.

Department: Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer
Address: 233 Main Street, PO Box 385, Charlestown, NH 03603
Phone: (603) 826-4400
Website: https://charlestown-nh.gov/pages/departments-edited-by-irvin

Online Permit Portal

Open Town of Charlestown Documents and Links

Platform: Town website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download Building Permit Application from the town website or pick up at town office.
If septic system is applicable to the project, obtain Septic Approval from the Selectboard before proceeding.
Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, applicable sub-permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical).
Note: No Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy will be issued until any required deed is properly recorded.
Submit completed application; it will be routed for approval by Code Enforcement Officer, Highway Superintendent, Water and Sewer Superintendent, Planning and Zoning Administrator, Fire Chief/Inspector, Tax Collector (for manufactured home moves only).
Building Inspector Jon LeClair reviews and issues permit.
Post permit on job site during construction.
Schedule required inspections: footings/foundations must be inspected before pouring; rough-in work (plumbing and electrical concealed in walls) must be inspected before wall finish is installed.
Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Source: Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

General Requirements

New construction; additions; basement finishing; interior construction with concealed rough plumbing or electrical; new mobile homes (must be set on a cement pad); demolition.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Site plan
Construction drawings
Septic Approval if applicable

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 and related codes (effective December 31, 2024 per HB 1681). Charlestown enforces through its Code Enforcement Officer.
Contractor requirements: NH-licensed electricians and plumbers required; no state GC license in NH.

Fees

Payment note: Contact Building Inspector Jon LeClair at (603) 826-4400 for current fees; inspector hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 826-4400 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday and Wednesday 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation (before pour); rough-in plumbing and electrical (before wall finish); new construction structural; final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 and related codes (effective December 31, 2024 per HB 1681). Charlestown enforces through its Code Enforcement Officer.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Official Documents and Links
NH State Building Permit Program
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 Charlestown Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Charlestown, NH?: New construction; additions; basement finishing; interior construction with concealed rough plumbing or electrical; new mobile homes (must be set on a cement pad); demolition.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Charlestown, NH?: 1. Download Building Permit Application from the town website or pick up at town office. 2. If septic system is applicable to the project, obtain Septic Approval from the Selectboard before proceeding. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings, applicable sub-permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). 4. Note: No Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy will be issued until any required deed is properly recorded. 5. Submit completed application; it will be routed for approval by Code Enforcement Officer, Highway Superintendent, Water and Sewer Superintendent, Planning and Zoning Administrator, Fire Chief/Inspector, Tax Collector (for manufactured home moves only). 6. Building Inspector Jon LeClair reviews and issues permit. 7. Post permit on job site during construction. 8. Schedule required inspections: footings/foundations must be inspected before pouring; rough-in work (plumbing and electrical concealed in walls) must be inspected before wall finish is installed. 9. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Charlestown, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 826-4400.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Charlestown can be complicated.

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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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