Building Permits – Information and Instructions

Why Building Permits Matter

Building permits ensure construction 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 and local ordinances to confirm it:

• • Meets safety and health standards.
  • Preserves structural integrity.
  • Safeguards your investment and your neighbors’ property.

Without a permit, you may face fines, removal of unapproved work, or complications 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”.

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

New Hampshire Building Code Amendments

NH Building Code Amendments

Surry, NH Zoning Ordinance

Before a building permit is approved and issued, it is first reviewed to make sure that it meets the local zoning requirements, such as:

• • Lot size
  • Frontage
  • Setbacks from property lines, roads, wetlands, or waterbodies
  • Permitted land use

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

Surry Zoning Ordinance

Work That Does Not Require a Permit

1. Ordinary repairs, i.e., painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
2. 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.
3. Swings and other playground equipment.
4. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the wall and do not require additional support.
5. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, etc., provided the floor area does not exceed 100 sq. ft.
6. Fences not over 7 feet high.
7. 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.
8. Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 5,000 gallons, and installed entirely above ground.
9. Sidewalks