On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Newport
New construction; additions; alterations; demolition; change of occupancy; new or replacement electrical, plumbing, mechanical, HVAC systems; signs; swimming pools; driveways (separate driveway permit).
Note: Not published in detail on public website; general NH baseline exemptions (ordinary repairs, painting, landscaping) apply.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download applicable permit application from the Permits, Applications & Regulations page or pick up at 15 Sunapee Street.
- 02 Prepare required documents per application instructions (site plan, construction drawings, NHDES approval if near wetlands or shoreline).
- 03 Submit completed application with fee to the Planning, Zoning and Permits Office.
- 04 Application reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Administrator; additional departmental review for applicable permits (e.g., electrical, plumbing).
- 05 Permit issued upon approval; post on job site.
- 06 Schedule required inspections as construction progresses.
- 07 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2016
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
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
03
Reinspection fee
$25.00
Contact (603) 863-6278.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2016) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical), final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Newport permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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).
02 How much does a building permit cost in Newport, NH? ▸
Building permit fees in Newport, NH are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Newport, NH? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Newport, NH, follow these steps: 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.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Newport, NH? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Newport, NH via: (603) 863-6278.
last verified April 2026
source Planning, Zoning and Permits Office ↗
entry id permits/new-hampshire/sullivan/newport
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning, Zoning and Permits Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.