Thomas Johnson, Director of Zoning, Building Codes & Health

Town Hall, 15 Newmarket Road
Durham, NH 03824-2898
Telephone: (603) 868-8064
Fax: (603) 868-8033

Thomas F. Johnson, C.B.O.
Director of Zoning, Building Codes & Health
E-mail: tjohnson@ci.durham.nh.us

Karen Edwards
Administrative Assistant for Zoning, Building Codes & Health
E-mail: kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us

The Code Enforcement Office is responsible for the protection of the Health, Safety and Welfare of the residents and visitors to our community. The many codes that have been adopted either by the Town Council, State or Federal governments all have that basic goal as their basis. This office is available for discussion on any issue of concern; from local Zoning and Health issues to any questions concerning any building issues.

Zoning issues range from questions concerning individual lots to subdivisions and neighborhoods. Questions about what is permitted on your lot or a neighbor’s; size restrictions, building setbacks, wetlands, shore protection, aquifer issues, signs, commercial uses, etc. If your project does not meet the regulations, this office will direct you to the Planning or Zoning Boards or Town Council for resolution of your issue. On occasion, a property owner may face court action for resolution.

Health issues sometimes are addressed by this office: restaurant issues, sanitation, water and septic quality issues, West Nile Virus, Bioterrorism, noise, pollution, litter, infectious disease outbreaks, etc. are all addressed by this office with referral by our office to county, state or federal agencies when needed.

A building project can only be successful by starting with proper planning with the aid of design professionals, licensed plumbers and electricians, mechanical contractors, fire protection professionals, and code officials. The Code Enforcement Official can help with the initial planning by advising the applicant on what codes are current, local conditions and requirements, and procedures required from start to completion of the project. The submission of a building permit application requires the Code Enforcement Official to do a plan review prior to the issuance of any building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits to verify that the applicant has complied with all local Zoning and all building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical or fire codes. This process is very important to the applicant and contractors shall not start work until the permit and drawings have been released by our office; otherwise work may be installed incorrectly or with inadequate materials that would have to be replaced at applicant’s or contractor’s additional expense. This office also provides inspections for all permits issued. A Certificate of Occupancy is required after all work is completed and all inspections pass prior to the applicant moving in or occupying the space.