Cornish, NH — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 5

§ 01

Permit authority

Select Board

Street address

Town Offices, Cornish, NH

Phone

(603) 675-5611

Coverage

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.

Online portal

Town of Cornish Select Board

Town website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Cornish

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

Note: Not published on public website; contact Select Board for determination. NH baseline exemptions (ordinary repairs, painting, landscaping) likely apply.

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.

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Download Building Permit application from the Select Board page or pick up at town office.
02

Prepare site plan and construction documents.
03

Submit completed application with fee to the Select Board office during office hours.
04

Select Board reviews and approves or denies the application.
05

For driveway and wood road construction, Selectmen must determine the proposed juncture does not create a traffic hazard.
06

For private campsite occupation, owner must obtain a separate permit from the Select Board.
07

Permit issued upon approval; post on job site.
08

Schedule inspections as required.
09

Final inspection.

Source: Select Board ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 sequence: Contact office for sequence specific to project type.

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about Cornish permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Cornish, NH? ▸

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

02 How do I apply for a building permit in Cornish, NH? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Cornish, NH, follow these steps: 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.

03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cornish, NH? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cornish, NH via: (603) 675-5611.

last verified April 2026 source Select Board ↗ entry id permits/new-hampshire/sullivan/cornish

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Select Board before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Cornish

Other jurisdictions in Sullivan County.