Mission Statement: The purpose of these departments is to provide minimum standards fo the protection of life, limb, health, property and environment, for the safety and welfare of the consumer and general public.
Building Inspector Duties: The Building Inspector reports directly to the Town Administrator for the building inspection and Health Officer portions of the job.
This position also works in conjunction with the Fire Department in carrying out the Fire Inspector duties when necessary and oversees the permit process, gathering all information required for the application to be considered complete.
The Building Inspector conducts onsite inspections as needed to maintain compliance with local and state codes and ensures that projects are completed in a manner that protects the public and environmental concerns.
License Required Work:
Electricians, plumbers and gas fitters must display their valid Masters license at the time of the permit application.
Electrical Permit Exceptions
1. Permit for ‘like-kind’ replacement of fixtures not required.
2. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy do not require a permit.
3. NH Licensed Electricians may extend or modify an existing circuit without a permit. *This exemption does not extend to homeowners doing their own wiring.
Plumbing Permit Exceptions:
1. Permits not required for ‘like-kind’ replacement of sinks, faucets, water closets, fixtures, devices or equipment.
2. A permit is not required for repair or relocation of less than ten feet of domestic water supply, waste or vent by a NH Licensed Plumber. *This exemption does not extend to homeowners doing their own plumbing.
Mechanical Permit Exceptions:
1. Does not require permits for ‘like-kind’ replacement of fixtures, devices or equipment.
2. Permit not required for self-contained refrigeration/heat pump systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less where all work is done by licensed professionals.
A permit is not required for the stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
You can use our on-line permit system under permit applications, or you may obtain a building permit application during the Town Hall office hours Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Building permits automatically expire 1 year of the date of issue unless substantial construction has been done. Permits may be renewed annually for a nominal fee.
Yes, according to the Zoning Ordinance, no sign may be erected, placed, moved, enlarged, illuminated or altered without a Permit. The only exceptions are for construction site identification signs (with restrictions), temporary signs indicating for sale, lease or rent and signs directing traffic.
All new construction requires a Building Permit, including porches, decks, swimming pools (above and in-ground), garages and (sheds that are over 200 square feet in size) as well as most renovation projects. If the job entails enlarging, such as dormers when replacing a roof, or conversions, such as making a deck and enclosed porch, then a permit is required.
The Building Department has thirty (30) days to review and approve or deny a building permit application. The better your plans are and the more complete your application is, the faster the process will go. Most permits are reviewed within 48 hours after receiving a completed application for building and all fees are paid.
A Certificate of Business Occupancy is required for all new business, changes in use or occupancy of a space.
Certificate of Business Occupancy is required by the Town BEFORE any business can be open to the public.
Before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for that business, the premises must be inspected by a building inspector to ensure there are no life safety issues and all inspection fees must be paid.
The following is needed to apply for a permit to build in the Town of Hillsborough. Depending on the type, size or location of the project other permits and approvals may be necessary.
- Construction fully dimensioned plans to scale.
- Site plan with setbacks from property lines. Plans should show location of all buildings on property existing or proposed as well as driveway, septic and well location.
- State approved septic design
- Completed Energy Code Worksheet
- Type of heating system and installation company
- Chimney type, with number of flues and fireplaces.
- Electrician’s name and license number
- Plumber’s name and license number
- Street address of property
- Map and Lot number
- Name and address of property owner with telephone number email address
- Name and address of builder with telephone number email address
- Driveway permit form Town or State of NH
If you live in Emerald Lake Village District and are constructing or repairing a septic system you must contact the Building Inspector. Inspections are required. There is no charge for these inspections.