Building Inspector & Code Enforcement

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a permit?

Permits are required for particular types of work, such as:

-Construct an addition                                                                -Construct or alter a structure

-Demolish or move a structure                                                 -Make a change of occupancy

-Install or alter any equipment that is regulated by code (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)

Ordinary repairs do not require a permit or any notification to the Building Official. They include painting interior and exterior walls, non-structural changes that do not involve electrical, mechanical or plumbing work, or removal of walls. If you are not sure if your project requires a permit, please ask either the Building Inspector or the Town Office.

What is the purpose of a permit?

Applying for a permit allows the Town to review the project for safety and compliance with Federal, State and Local codes. It also ensures the project complies with the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Subsequent inspections help determine if the project is being completed to code and as designed.

What permits are required and how much does a permit cost?

Building permit fees are normally determined by the square footage of the project and whether it is Residential or Commercial. All other associated permits are $50.00 each.

Building permits only include the structural portion of the project. Separate permits are required for demolition, electrical, mechanical or plumbing work.

Demolition permits are required for the demolition of any structure, regardless of age, and any existing fuel storage tanks if a replacement is not intended.

Electrical permits are required for installation of a new electrical service; electrical service upgrades; new branch circuits added to any load center panel or subpanel; existing branch circuits extended or altered in any way; when a swimming pool, hot tub, spa, outside shower, etc. is installed; or any manually or automatically switched standby electricity generating system is installed.

Mechanical permits are required for the installation, upgrade or alteration of a heating and/or cooling system; installation of any fuel oil/gas appliance; placement or installation of any fuel storage tank and any related supply lines.

Plumbing permits are required for installation of any new plumbing system; and any upgrade/alteration of an existing water supply or drainage system.

How do I get a permit?

Submit the relevant permit application(s) and any supporting documents to Citizens’ Hall, 9 Citizens’ Hall Road. Blank applications are available online in the “Applications and Permits” section of our Documents page.

Do I need a permit for a shed or other small building at my house?

A building under 100 square feet does not require a Building Permit, but may require another type of permit if you intend to provide electricity, heat or water for the building. It also needs to meet Zoning Regulations.

Do I need to be licensed to do work?

The State of New Hampshire requires a license of the person engaging in the business of either plumbing or electrical. Effective January 1, 2008 a NH Gas Fitter License will be required to install any gas piping or gas fired equipment.

Do I need a permit to re-roof my home?

A permit to re-roof your home is not required, although you are required to follow the Building Code.

When will my permit be ready?

We will contact you when the permit is ready or if we have any questions or problems with your application. Approval time depends on the size, type and complexity of the project.

If you have a building permit application, your trade permits (electrical, mechanical and plumbing) cannot be issued until after your building permit has been issued.

How do I set up an inspection and can I schedule a time?

To schedule an inspection, call the Building Inspector or the Town Office.

What do I need for a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?

The Building Code states that in order to get a CO, you must have:

-Septic system approval for operation by the Lyndeborough Building Inspector

-Current basic water test including screening for heavy metals and coliform bacteria

-Lyndeborough Road Agent acceptance of driveway cut, grade, location, and sight distance

-All job signs, temporary utilities, construction debris and soil piles incidental to construction shall be removed from the site

-Certified plot plan

Can I get a refund?

If no work has been done and the Building Inspector has not spent any time on inspections or other related work, then in some limited circumstances a refund may be issued. You may ask the Building Inspector or the Town Office about this.

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Building Code

You can find the Town’s current Building Code by clicking this link. When the Town’s Building Code conflicts with State or Federal regulations and code, then the most restrictive and/or safest version is the one that will be followed.

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Building Permit Application

You can find a Building Permit Application by clicking this link. Fees are calculated based on the gross square footage of the project and whether it is residential or commercial. If you aren’t sure if you need a Building Permit, you can read our FAQ, or you may contact the Building Inspector or Dawn Griska the Administrative Assistant.

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Demolition Permit Application

You can find a Demolition Permit Application by clicking this link. Fees are $50.00 for the permit. If you aren’t sure if you need a Demolition Permit, you can read our FAQ, or you may contact the Building Inspector or Dawn Griska the Administrative Assistant.

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Driveway Regulations

Lyndeborough’s Driveway Regulations are currently in the process of being updated. The version you can find here is in effect until it is replaced. Permits are required for (among other things outlined in the regulations) constructing, replacing or paving driveways. Applications for Driveway Permits are handled by the Department of Public Works and can be found under “Applications and Permits” on the Documents page or at Citizens’ Hall.

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Electrical Permit Application

You can find an Electrical Permit Application by clicking this link. Fees are $50.00 for the permit. If you aren’t sure if you need an Electrical Permit, you can read our FAQ, or you may contact the Building Inspector or Dawn Griska the Administrative Assistant.

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Excavation Permit Application

You can find an Excavation Permit Application by clicking this link. Fees are $50.00 for the permit. If you aren’t sure if you need an Electrical Permit, you can read our FAQ, or you may contact the Building Inspector or Dawn Griska the Administrative Assistant.

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Mechanical Permit Application

You can find a Mechanical Permit Application by clicking this link. Fees are $50.00 for the permit. If you aren’t sure if you need an Electrical Permit, you can read our FAQ, or you may contact the Building Inspector or Dawn Griska the Administrative Assistant.

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New Home Building Packet

If you plan on building a house in Town, you may find this New Home Building Packet helpful.

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Plumbing Permit Application

You can find a Plumbing Permit Application by clicking this link. Fees are $50.00 for the permit. If you aren’t sure if you need an Electrical Permit, you can read our FAQ, or you may contact the Building Inspector or Dawn Griska the Administrative Assistant.

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Zoning Ordinance

You can find the Town’s Zoning Ordinance by clicking this link. Any time you are considering building something on your property, it will need to meet the Zoning Ordinance and the Building Code. If it does not meet the Zoning Ordinance, you have the option of going before the Zoning Board of Adjustment to apply for a variance. You may find more information about that on the Land Use information page. You may alsoemail the Town’s Land Use Assistant with questions. The Town also contracts with the Nashua Regional Planning Commission and they have office hours in Lyndeborough at Citizens’ Hall on Thursdays from noon until 4 pm. Please contact the Town Office by phone or email if you would like to set up an appointment to talk about a project.

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