This page is dedicated to providing more information about the building permit process in the Town of Durham. Below you'l find a short list of frequently asked questions as well as links to permitting checklists and building applications. It can take a minimum of 5-7 days to receive a building permit after the application has been submitted. For addtional assistance in with building permits and applications contact Karen Edwards in the Planning/Zoning/Assessing office at +1 (603) 868-8064.

PERMITS

FAQ’S

1. What work requires a building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit?

All construction and/or repairs on a property requires a building permit except for the following:

CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION
-Painting, papering tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
- Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
- Swings and other playground equipment.
- Fences less than 6 feet in height.
- Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches and do not require additional support.
- Water tanks resting directly on grade if the capacity is 5,000 gallons or less. The ratio of height to diameter may not exceed 2 to 1.
- One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses as long at the floor area is 120 square feet or less.
- Installation of portable heating, cooking, ventilation, evaporative coolers or clothes drying appliances.
- Installation of self-contained refrigeration systems (refrigerators, freezers, coolers, air conditioners) with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and that have motors 1 horsepower or less.

REPAIRS
- Minor electrical repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
- Plumbing repair of leaks or clearing stoppages in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe provided and removal and reinstallation of toilets. Replacement of plumbing or work concealed behind walls does require a permit.
- Replacement of any minor gas or heating appliance part that does not alter the approval of the equipment or make it unsafe.

If in doubt about whether a permit is needed, either submit an application or schedule a meeting with the Code Enforcement Officer to discuss the project.

2. What about emergency repairs?

When emergency equipment replacement and/to repair is required, the work can be done on an emergency basis as long as the permit application is submitted to the building inspector the next working business day.

3. How long does it take to get a building permit?

Building permit issuing decisions are generally made within ten (10) days of receiving a completed application for major permits and within five (5) days for minor permits; however, a complicated application could possibly need close to the 30 days allowed by RSA 676:13, unless Planning Board or Zoning Board approval is needed.

4. When is the fee due for a building permit?

The fee is due at the time the building permit application is submitted. Please see “Building Permit Fees” for fee amounts.

5. What inspections are needed on a construction project?

The types of inspections needed will depend on the project. Please see “Building Inspection Guidelines.” Please call the Building Inspector’s Office at (603) 868-8064 to schedule an inspection. At least 24-hour notice is required to schedule an inspection.

6. When does the Inspector do inspections?

The Building Inspector works Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but may or may not be available for inspections during that time. Inspections are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. All attempts will be made to schedule an inspection within a reasonable time period.

7. When is a project considered complete by the Building Inspector?

A construction project is not complete until the Building Inspector has done a final inspection and issued a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Approval. The structure or improvement(s) shall not be occupied or otherwise utilized without the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

8. Can building permit applications be submitted on-line?

A building permit application may be downloaded from our webpage, filled out and then e-mailed to kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us. However, the building permit application will not be considered complete until all plans and fees have been submitted to the Building Inspector’s Office.