Building Permits – Information & FAQs

Why do Building Permits & Codes Matter?

Building permits ensure construction in Surry is safe, legal, and protective of property values.

When you apply for a permit, your project is reviewed under the New Hampshire State Building Codes, along with any locally adopted building codes and zoning ordinances, to confirm that it:

• Meets local zoning and setback requirements.
• Complies with current safety and health standards.
• Preserves structural integrity and energy efficiency.
• Protects your investment and your neighbors’ property.

Obtaining a permit helps ensure your project meets state and local standards before work begins. Working without a permit can lead to fines, stop-work orders, removal of unapproved work, or problems when selling your home.

When is a Permit Required?

2021 IBC 105.1 “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit”.

In plain terms, if the IRC regulates the work, it requires a permit.

Please remember, it is the owner (or their authorized agent), not the contractor or builder, who is responsible for securing the permit.

What is the State Building Code?

RSA 155-A:1 IV. “New Hampshire building code” or “state building code” means the adoption by reference of the following, as amended by the state building code review board and ratified by the legislature in accordance with RSA 155-A:10.  RSA 155-A:2 VII goes on to state that “Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as amending, repealing, or superseding any local loaw, ordiance, code or regulation, exept local coe requirements that are less stringent than the state building code or state fire code …..”

• IBC   – International Building Code 2021
• IEBC – International Existing Building Code 2021
• IECC – International Energy Conservation Code 2018
• IMC  – International Mechanical Code 2021
• IPC  –  International Plumbing Code 2021
• IRC –  International Residential Code 2021
• NEC – National Electrical Code 2023
• ISPSC  – International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2021

What are the New Hampshire Building Code Amendments?

• Click the following link to: NH BUIILDING CODE AMENDMENTS

How does Surry’s Zoning Ordinance Come into Play?

Before a building permit can be approved and issued, it is first reviewed to determine if it meets all zoning requirements, such as:

• Lot size
• Frontage
• Setbacks from property lines, roads, wetlands, or waterbodies
• Permitted land use based on the district
• Confirmation that an approved driveway permit has been issued

The Zoning Ordinance also contains any locally adopted changes to the State Building Code as allowed by RSA 155-A:2 VII.

Click the following link to: SURRY ZONING ORDIANCE

What Work Does Not Require a Permit?

• Ordinary repairs, i.e., painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
• Decks not exceeding 200 sq. ft., not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door.
• Swings and other playground equipment.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the wall and do not require additional support.
• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, etc., provided the floor area does not exceed 100 sq. ft., and it is not on a permanent foundation.
• Fences not over 7 feet high.
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 5,000 gallons, and installed entirely above ground.
• Sidewalks

How to Apply for a Building Permit?

1. Complete the Building Permit Application & Checklist.
   • Click the following link to: Building Permit Application & Checklist – Rev 10.25
2. Attach the required site plan, all necessary documents, and the application/permit fee.
3. Submit the application, checklist, and all necessary documents to the Select Board.
   • Mail or Drop off: Surry Town Hall, 1 Village Road, Surry, NH 03431
   • Email: selctmen@surry.nh.gov
4. Applications received by the end of the day on Thursday will be placed on the agenda for zoning review at the next scheduled Monday night meeting. Applications received Friday – Monday will be placed on the following week’s agenda.
5. If the application is deemed complete and approved from a zoning perspective, it and all documentation will be forwarded to the Building Inspector.  If denied, you will be notified of the reasons and what corrective actions are required.
6. The Building Inspector will then review the plans from a state building code perspective.  If approved, a building permit will be created and returned to you. If denied, you will be notified of the reasons and what corrective actions are required.

What does the Construction Phase Look Like?

1. Work may begin only after the building permit is officially issued.
2. The building permit must be posted on-site where it is visible from the road.
3. Contractors are expected to follow the NH State Building Code, as well as local zoning rules and the State Fire Code.
4. The permit holder is required to schedule inspections with the Building Inspector.  The following are the minimum mandatory inspections for a complete house build based on IRC 2021 – Section R109:

1. 1. Footing and foundation inspection
      • After excavation, before concrete is placed.
      • Checks soil, forms, reinforcement, and footing/foundation design.
   2. Concrete slab or under-floor inspection
      • Before concrete is poured for floors/slabs.
      • Verifies reinforcement, base material, and vapor retarder if required.
   3. Lowest floor elevation
      • For flood hazard areas, elevation certification is required.
   4. Framing inspection
      • After the roof, wall, floor, and framing are complete.
      • Includes exterior sheathing, fire blocking, and bracing.
      • Must be done before insulation or covering.
   5. Plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical systems inspections
      • Rough-in inspections before covering or concealing.
      • Includes piping, ductwork, wiring, outlets, service equipment, etc.
   6. Energy efficiency inspection
      • Verifies insulation, vapor retarders, air sealing, and fenestration (windows/doors).
      • NH uses the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2018, as amended).
   7. Final inspection
      • Conducted once all work is complete and ready for occupancy.
      • Confirms compliance with all building, zoning, and fire code requirements.
   8. Certificate of Occupancy Issued

NOTE: Required inspections will vary based on the type of permit and building/structure being erected. The Building Inspector will work with you to determine what is required for your specific project.  A Certificate of Occupancy is only issued for buildings intended for human occupancy or use.

What if I Still Have Questions?

• Email the Select Board at: selectmen@surry.nh.gov
• Contact the Building Inspector at 603-252-7903
• Schedule time to discuss at a Select Board Meeting. Please email selectmen@surry.nh.gov to get on the agenda.