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

To apply for a building permit in Town of Chatham, NH, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Selectboard at (603) 694-2117 during office hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-7:00 PM) to obtain permit forms and discuss requirements 2. Complete building permit application 3. Submit to Selectboard at 1071 Main Road 4. Selectboard reviews and approves or refers to appropriate officer 5. Permit issued upon approval 6. Schedule inspections through Selectboard / town contact 7. Final review

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Chatham, NH?

Building permit processing times in Town of Chatham, NH typically run Not specified; contact Selectboard. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Town of Chatham, NH via: (603) 694-2117.

City Building Permits

Town of Chatham, NH - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Hampshire Carroll County Updated 2026-04

Quick Start

Apply for a permit

Submission method: in-person. No portal account is listed as required. Contact the Selectboard at (603) 694-2117 during office hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-7:00 PM) to obtain permit forms and discuss requirements Complete building permit application

Schedule inspection

Call: (603) 694-2117

Inspection hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Projects that usually need a permit

Remodels, renovations, and alterations
Construction
Renovation
Alteration of structures; contact Selectboard to confirm

Permit Authority

Town of Chatham; one of NH's smallest towns straddling the NH-Maine border; extremely rural with very low development activity; law enforcement provided by Carroll County Sheriff and NH State Police.

Department: Selectboard
Address: Chatham Town House, 1071 Main Road, Chatham, NH 03813
Phone: (603) 694-2117
Website: https://www.chathamnh.org/

Application Process

Contact the Selectboard at (603) 694-2117 during office hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-7:00 PM) to obtain permit forms and discuss requirements
Complete building permit application
Submit to Selectboard at 1071 Main Road
Selectboard reviews and approves or refers to appropriate officer
Permit issued upon approval
Schedule inspections through Selectboard / town contact
Final review

Typical processing time: Not specified; contact Selectboard

Source: Selectboard

General Requirements

All construction, renovation, and alteration of structures; contact Selectboard to confirm

Required Documents

Building permit application
Site plan
Building plans
Contact Selectboard for current requirements

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) as baseline; local adoption status not documented publicly; given very small scale of town, the NH State Building Permit Program (NH Division of Fire Safety, 603-223-4289) may be the effective enforcement mechanism -- verify with Selectboard
Contractor requirements: State-licensed electricians, plumbers, and gas fitters required

Fees

Payment note: Contact Selectboard

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

(603) 694-2117 (phone)

Inspection hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Additional Resources

Building code: NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) as baseline; local adoption status not documented publicly; given very small scale of town, the NH State Building Permit Program (NH Division of Fire Safety, 603-223-4289) may be the effective enforcement mechanism -- verify with Selectboard
Town Website
NH Division of Fire Safety
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: 2026-04. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Selectboard before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Chatham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Chatham, NH?: All construction, renovation, and alteration of structures; contact Selectboard to confirm
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Chatham, NH?: To apply for a building permit in Town of Chatham, NH, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Selectboard at (603) 694-2117 during office hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00-7:00 PM) to obtain permit forms and discuss requirements 2. Complete building permit application 3. Submit to Selectboard at 1071 Main Road 4. Selectboard reviews and approves or refers to appropriate officer 5. Permit issued upon approval 6. Schedule inspections through Selectboard / town contact 7. Final review
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Chatham, NH?: Building permit processing times in Town of Chatham, NH typically run Not specified; contact Selectboard. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Chatham, NH?: Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Town of Chatham, NH via: (603) 694-2117.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Chatham 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.

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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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