How much does a building permit cost in Town of Newport, NH?

The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction: $40.00 base + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Commercial new construction: $50.00 base + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Residential renovation/repair: $25.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Commercial renovation/repair: $50.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Roofing/siding (Residential): $25.00, (Commercial): $50.00; Swimming pool (Above-ground): $25.00, (In-ground): $50.00; Demolition (Minor residential): $10.00, (Major residential): $50.00; Signs (Sandwich/interior): $25.00, (Exterior commercial): $25.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Oil burner permits: $25.00; Certificate of Occupancy (Residential): $40.00, (Commercial): $50.00; Zoning permit (change of use): $25.00; After-the-fact permits: twice the normal filing fee.

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

1. Download applicable permit application from the Permits, Applications & Regulations page or pick up at 15 Sunapee Street. 2. Prepare required documents per application instructions (site plan, construction drawings, NHDES approval if near wetlands or shoreline). 3. Submit completed application with fee to the Planning, Zoning and Permits Office. 4. Application reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; additional departmental review for applicable permits (e.g., electrical, plumbing). 5. Permit issued upon approval; post on job site. 6. Schedule required inspections as construction progresses. 7. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 863-6278.

City Building Permits

Town of Newport, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Sullivan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Newport; county seat of Sullivan County. Planning and Zoning Administrator Christina M. Donovan administers building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other permits. Newport is the largest town (non-city) in Sullivan County.

Department: Planning, Zoning and Permits Office
Address: 15 Sunapee Street, Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (603) 863-6278
Website: https://www.newportnh.gov/planning-and-zoning/pages/permits-applications-regulations

Online Permit Portal

Open Town of Newport Permits and Applications

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download applicable permit application from the Permits, Applications & Regulations page or pick up at 15 Sunapee Street.
Prepare required documents per application instructions (site plan, construction drawings, NHDES approval if near wetlands or shoreline).
Submit completed application with fee to the Planning, Zoning and Permits Office.
Application reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; additional departmental review for applicable permits (e.g., electrical, plumbing).
Permit issued upon approval; post on job site.
Schedule required inspections as construction progresses.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.

Source: Planning, Zoning and Permits Office

General Requirements

New construction; additions; alterations; demolition; change of occupancy; new or replacement electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC systems; signs; swimming pools; driveways (separate driveway permit).

Required Documents

Permit application
Site plan
Construction drawings
Engineering documents for commercial projects
NHDES approval for wetland/shoreline work

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) -- IBC 2021 / IRC 2021 and related codes effective December 31, 2024 per HB 1681. Newport's zoning is governed by the 2019 Zoning Ordinance.
Contractor requirements: NH-licensed electricians and plumbers required; no general contractor state license in NH.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25.00
Permit fee formula: Residential new construction: $40.00 base + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Commercial new construction: $50.00 base + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Residential renovation/repair: $25.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Commercial renovation/repair: $50.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Roofing/siding (Residential): $25.00, (Commercial): $50.00; Swimming pool (Above-ground): $25.00, (In-ground): $50.00; Demolition (Minor residential): $10.00, (Major residential): $50.00; Signs (Sandwich/interior): $25.00, (Exterior commercial): $25.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Oil burner permits: $25.00; Certificate of Occupancy (Residential): $40.00, (Commercial): $50.00; Zoning permit (change of use): $25.00; After-the-fact permits: twice the normal filing fee
Reinspection fee: $25.00
Payment note: Contact (603) 863-6278.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2016).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning, Zoning and Permits Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 863-6278 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Tuesday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM; Wednesday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical), 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. Newport's zoning is governed by the 2019 Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Ordinances and 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 Planning, Zoning and Permits Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Newport Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Newport, NH?: New construction; additions; alterations; demolition; change of occupancy; new or replacement electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC systems; signs; swimming pools; driveways (separate driveway permit).
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Newport, NH?: The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction: $40.00 base + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Commercial new construction: $50.00 base + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Residential renovation/repair: $25.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Commercial renovation/repair: $50.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Roofing/siding (Residential): $25.00, (Commercial): $50.00; Swimming pool (Above-ground): $25.00, (In-ground): $50.00; Demolition (Minor residential): $10.00, (Major residential): $50.00; Signs (Sandwich/interior): $25.00, (Exterior commercial): $25.00 + $0.005 per estimated construction cost; Oil burner permits: $25.00; Certificate of Occupancy (Residential): $40.00, (Commercial): $50.00; Zoning permit (change of use): $25.00; After-the-fact permits: twice the normal filing fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Newport, NH?: 1. Download applicable permit application from the Permits, Applications & Regulations page or pick up at 15 Sunapee Street. 2. Prepare required documents per application instructions (site plan, construction drawings, NHDES approval if near wetlands or shoreline). 3. Submit completed application with fee to the Planning, Zoning and Permits Office. 4. Application reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; additional departmental review for applicable permits (e.g., electrical, plumbing). 5. Permit issued upon approval; post on job site. 6. Schedule required inspections as construction progresses. 7. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Newport, NH?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (603) 863-6278.

Need help with your project?

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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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