How do I apply for a building permit in Claremont, NH?

1. Review the 'When Do I Need a Building Permit?' page to confirm permit requirement. 2. Download the applicable application form or pick up in person at 14 North Street. 3. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy code application (as applicable). 4. Submit completed application in person at the Planning and Development office (14 North Street). 5. Plan review conducted by Building Safety and Codes Division staff. 6. Permit issued upon approval; post on job site during construction. 7. Schedule required inspections through the building department at each phase. 8. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued upon successful completion.

What work is exempt from building permits in Claremont, NH?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs to structures that do not include cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof; removing or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support; or removing, changing, or closing of any required means of egress.; Replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving an exit door.; Minor plumbing: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures (provided such work does not involve permanent replacement of pipe, equipment, or fixture).. Note: Exemptions are consistent with the adopted IBC/IRC baseline under the NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); full exemption list available via municipal code ordinance (Claremont Code Ch. 5).

How do I schedule a building inspection in Claremont, NH?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 542-7008.

City Building Permits

Claremont, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Sullivan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Claremont; largest city in Sullivan County and one of the larger municipalities in western NH. Full-service building department with in-house building official and code enforcement staff.

Department: Building Safety and Codes Division, Department of Planning and Development
Address: 14 North Street, Claremont, NH 03743
Phone: (603) 542-7008
Website: https://www.claremontnh.com/building-safety

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Claremont Building and Permits

Platform: OpenGov (payments) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Review the 'When Do I Need a Building Permit?' page to confirm permit requirement.
Download the applicable application form or pick up in person at 14 North Street.
Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy code application (as applicable).
Submit completed application in person at the Planning and Development office (14 North Street).
Plan review conducted by Building Safety and Codes Division staff.
Permit issued upon approval; post on job site during construction.
Schedule required inspections through the building department at each phase.
Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued upon successful completion.

Source: Building Safety and Codes Division, Department of Planning and Development

General Requirements

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system must first obtain the required permit. This includes replacement windows, new windows, roofing, and siding.

Required Documents

Permit application
Site plan
Construction drawings
Energy code application (for applicable projects)
Subcontractor information as required

Building code: 2018 ICC codes (IBC 2018 / IRC 2018), 2020 NEC, 2018 NFPA 101 and NFPA 1, with local amendments. NH updated its state code to 2021 ICC editions effective December 31, 2024 (HB 1681); Claremont may adopt or be transitioning to 2021 codes.
Contractor requirements: NH-licensed electricians and plumbers required; no state GC license in NH; subcontractor information required on application.

Fees

Payment note: Payments only through OpenGov or directly to office; never by phone or email.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs to structures that do not include cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof; removing or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support; or removing, changing, or closing of any required means of egress.
Replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving an exit door.
Minor plumbing: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures (provided such work does not involve permanent replacement of pipe, equipment, or fixture).

Important: Exemptions are consistent with the adopted IBC/IRC baseline under the NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); full exemption list available via municipal code ordinance (Claremont Code Ch. 5).

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 542-7008 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (plumbing/electrical/mechanical), insulation, final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 ICC codes (IBC 2018 / IRC 2018), 2020 NEC, 2018 NFPA 101 and NFPA 1, with local amendments. NH updated its state code to 2021 ICC editions effective December 31, 2024 (HB 1681); Claremont may adopt or be transitioning to 2021 codes.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Municode Code of Ordinances
Chapter 5 Building and Building Regulations
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 Safety and Codes Division, Department of Planning and Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Claremont Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Claremont, NH?: Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system must first obtain the required permit. This includes replacement windows, new windows, roofing, and siding.
How do I apply for a building permit in Claremont, NH?: 1. Review the 'When Do I Need a Building Permit?' page to confirm permit requirement. 2. Download the applicable application form or pick up in person at 14 North Street. 3. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy code application (as applicable). 4. Submit completed application in person at the Planning and Development office (14 North Street). 5. Plan review conducted by Building Safety and Codes Division staff. 6. Permit issued upon approval; post on job site during construction. 7. Schedule required inspections through the building department at each phase. 8. Final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued upon successful completion.
What work is exempt from building permits in Claremont, NH?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs to structures that do not include cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof; removing or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support; or removing, changing, or closing of any required means of egress.; Replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.; Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving an exit door.; Minor plumbing: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipes; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures (provided such work does not involve permanent replacement of pipe, equipment, or fixture).. Note: Exemptions are consistent with the adopted IBC/IRC baseline under the NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); full exemption list available via municipal code ordinance (Claremont Code Ch. 5).
How do I schedule a building inspection in Claremont, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 542-7008.

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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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