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

1. Download Building Permit application from the Select Board page or pick up at town office. 2. Prepare site plan and construction documents. 3. Submit completed application with fee to the Select Board office during office hours. 4. Select Board reviews and approves or denies the application. 5. For driveway and wood road construction, Selectmen must determine the proposed juncture does not create a traffic hazard. 6. For private campsite occupation, owner must obtain a separate permit from the Select Board. 7. Permit issued upon approval; post on job site. 8. Schedule inspections as required. 9. Final inspection.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 675-5611.

City Building Permits

Town of Cornish, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Sullivan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Cornish in eastern Sullivan County bordering Vermont; rural agricultural community. Building permits are administered directly by the Select Board; no separate building department.

Department: Select Board
Address: Town Offices, Cornish, NH
Phone: (603) 675-5611
Website: https://www.cornishnh.net/select-board/

Online Permit Portal

Open Town of Cornish Select Board

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download Building Permit application from the Select Board page or pick up at town office.
Prepare site plan and construction documents.
Submit completed application with fee to the Select Board office during office hours.
Select Board reviews and approves or denies the application.
For driveway and wood road construction, Selectmen must determine the proposed juncture does not create a traffic hazard.
For private campsite occupation, owner must obtain a separate permit from the Select Board.
Permit issued upon approval; post on job site.
Schedule inspections as required.
Final inspection.

Source: Select Board

General Requirements

New construction; additions; alterations; accessory structures; driveway and wood road construction (separate approval). See 2019 Zoning Ordinance for complete scope.

Required Documents

Building permit application
Site plan
Construction drawings
Fee

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); enforcement through Select Board as the local authority.
Contractor requirements: NH-licensed electricians and plumbers required; no state GC license in NH.

Fees

Payment note: Contact Select Board office at (603) 675-5611.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Select Board to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 675-5611 (phone)

Inspection hours: Administrative Assistant hours: Monday 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM; Tuesday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Thursday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Select Board meets Mondays 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Thursdays 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Contact office for sequence specific to project type.

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A); enforcement through Select Board as the local authority.
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Select Board before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Cornish Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Cornish, NH?: New construction; additions; alterations; accessory structures; driveway and wood road construction (separate approval). See 2019 Zoning Ordinance for complete scope.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Cornish, NH?: 1. Download Building Permit application from the Select Board page or pick up at town office. 2. Prepare site plan and construction documents. 3. Submit completed application with fee to the Select Board office during office hours. 4. Select Board reviews and approves or denies the application. 5. For driveway and wood road construction, Selectmen must determine the proposed juncture does not create a traffic hazard. 6. For private campsite occupation, owner must obtain a separate permit from the Select Board. 7. Permit issued upon approval; post on job site. 8. Schedule inspections as required. 9. Final inspection.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Cornish, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 675-5611.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Cornish can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Sullivan County

Claremont Charlestown Plainfield Langdon

View all Sullivan County jurisdictions →