The Bureau of Building Safety and Construction administers the State Building Permit System as authorized by law through RSA 155-A and administered by Saf-C 8100 Rules.

The permit system applies to construction involving all state owned properties, the university system properties, community college system properties and by written request and acceptance from those municipalities that have not adopted an enforcement mechanism pursuant to RSA 674:51. Permits are required for new and renovation construction based on the provisions of the current NH State Building Code and applicable amendments.

The following permits are issued through this program:

• Building Permit
• Mechanical Permit (fuel gas): For all work subject to state licensing requirements as identified in RSA 153:27
• Mechanical Permit (non-fuel gas): Work not subject to state licensing requirements including ductwork
• Electrical Permit
• Plumbing Permits
• Fire Protection Permits: Includes fire suppression systems, fire alarms, kitchen exhaust systems

Permit System and Inspection Process:

1. Separate permit applications and applicable payment are required to be submitted for each permit at least 30 days prior to the intended start of construction. The form fillable permit application is available here. Additional supporting documents are as follows:
   1. One set of construction documents, if not already submitted and approved by this agency. Pursuant to RSA 153:8-a,I
   2. A completed Statement of Special Inspections if applicable
   3. All other supporting documents required by the NH State Building Code
2. At the time of submission, one set of plans shall also be submitted to the local AHJ for their review and input.
3. Application Review: If the application, construction documents or supporting documents do not conform to the requirements of statutes, rules, or state and local adopted building codes, the fire marshal or designee shall deny the application in writing within 30 days of receiving an application, stating the reasons therefor. If the fire marshal or designee approves the application, the permit shall be issued as soon as practicable and shall be posted on the project site for the duration of the construction.
4. Required inspections need to be scheduled 48 hours in advance by contacting this office at 603-223-4289 Option 1. For all plumbing and fuel gas inspections contact the inspector assigned to your project.
5. If inspected work in place is found to be not in compliance with applicable state building codes at the time of inspection, the inspector shall issue a written order to the permit holder to correct the non-compliant work. The corrected work shall be subject to a re-inspection to verify compliance, and the permit holder shall be subject to a re-inspection fee.
6. Upon completion of the work, inspections for compliance with state and local codes by the fire marshal or designee and receipt of required documentation, a certificate of occupancy shall be issued.

Fee Schedule:

1. New commercial construction fees $.30 per gross square foot with a minimum fee of $50.00
2. Commercial renovation fee $.15 per gross square foot with a minimum fee of $50.00
3. Electrical permit, plumbing permit and mechanical permit fees shall be calculated for each permit as follows, but shall be not less than $75.00:
   1. The first $.01 to $100,000.00 of the total contracted cost shall be multiplied by 1.2%;
   2. The next $100,000.01 to $300,000.00 of the total contracted cost shall be multiplied by 0.5%, with the resultant number added to the sum calculated in accordance with (2)a. above; and
   3. The next $300,000.01 and higher of the total contracted cost shall be multiplied by 0.3%, with the resultant number added to the sums calculated in accordance with (2)b. above;
4. The fire protection system permit fee shall be $1.00 per device with minimum fee of $35.00; and
5. The re-inspection fee shall be:
   1. For building permits and fire protection system permits, $100 per re-inspection; and
   2. For electrical permits, plumbing permits and mechanical permits, 10% of the fee calculated in accordance with (3) above, provided that the fee shall not be less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00.
6. Fees for other structures and uses $1.00 per gross square foot with a minimum fee of $35.00

Documents

• Applicable Law: New Hampshire Building Code RSA 155-A
• Adminstrative Rules: State Building Permit System Saf-C 8100
• State Building Permit - Application

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