Building Permit Questions

1. How do I know when I need a permit?
Answer: Building permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace an electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system which this code regulates.


2. How can I apply for a Building Permit?
Answer: You can apply for a Building Permit in one of four ways:
1. Go to the Planning and Development Office located downstairs in the Claremont Visitors Center Building.
2. Download the online form and email it to sripka@claremontnh.com along with all necessary supporting documentation
3. Mail the application and supporting documentation to: Chief Building and Code Enforcement Officer, Department of Planning and Development, 14 North Street, Claremont, NH 03743.
4. Fax the application and supporting documentation to the building inspector at 603-542-7033.
3. What repairs can I do without a permit?
Answer:

Ordinary repairs to structures do not require a building permit. Ordinary repairs include:

1. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work.
2. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings.
3. Prefabricated pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
4. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
5. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless suporting a surcharge.
6. Fences not over 6 feet high.
7. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
8. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
9. Replacement of exterior rain water gutters and leaders.
10. Minor electrical repair and maintenance work such as the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles, or the replacement of a receptacle, switch or lighting fixture reated at 20 amps or less and operating at less than 150 volts with a like or similar item (does not include replacement of GFCI receptacles).
11. Replacement of minor parts that does not make equipment unsafe.
12. Portable heating, ventilation or cooling equipment.
13. Stopping leaks in pipes.

Ordinary repairs do not include:

• the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof
• the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load bearing support
• the removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting its exit way requirements
• the addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping; electrical wiring; or mechanical.

Prior to applying for a building permit, all necessary subdivision, land development or site plan approval must be obtained. In addition, the proposed construction must comply with all applicable building and Zoning Codes.