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Frequently Asked Questions



When do I need a permit?

How and where do I get a permit?

What is the cost of a permit?

Can I do the work myself or do I need a licensed contractor?

Can I have an in-home business?

Can I have an in-law apartment?

What building codes do you enforce?

When do I need a variance and how do I apply for one?

What do I need to get a pool permit?

Who is responsible for getting a permit - the homeowner or the contractor?

Do I need a permit for a yard sale? What is the cost?

What is a Certificate of Compliance?

How long does it take to get a permit?

When are inspections done?

Do I need a permit for a fence?

How long is a permit good for?

My heat is included in my rent. What temperature is my landlord required to maintain?

Where can I obtain information on lead paint?



When do I need a permit?
A permit is required whenever you are demolishing, constructing, reconstructing, converting, altering or occupying a building, including any plumbing, heating, and/or electrical work.

Paving, roofing, siding, window replacement, pools, sheds and erecting signs also require permits.
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How and where do I get a permit?
Applications are available at the City of Manchester, NH, Building Department located at One City Hall Plaza, West Wing, Manchester, NH.

Plumbing, heating, electrical and sign permits are available online.
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What is the cost of a permit?
All permits have a $25.00 application fee. Actual costs vary depending on the type and scope of work to be done. Minimum cost for all permits is $35.00.

More information on fees can be found in Section 108.8 of the Building Code.
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Can I do the work myself or do I need a licensed contractor?
If the work to be done is on a single family residence at which you reside, you can do the work yourself. A licensed contractor, however, is required for all plumbing and electrical work done in multi-family, rental and/or commercial properties.
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Can I have an in-home business?
Some in-home businesses are allowed however requirements of the Zoning Ordinance must be met prior to establishing any business. These requirements can be found in Article 8.20 - Home Occupations - of the Zoning Ordinance.
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Can I have an in-law apartment?
In-law apartments are allowed however they are subject to certain conditions and limitations of the Zoning Ordinance and must be approved by the Building Department. These conditions and limitations can be found in Article 8.21 - Residential accessory dwelling unit - of the Zoning Ordinance.
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What building codes do you enforce?
Currently we enforce the 2000 International Building Code, 2000 International Mechanical Code, 2000 International Fuel Gas Code, 1999 National Electrical Code and 1993 BOCA Plumbing Code.
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When do I need a variance and how do I apply for one?
A variance is required when the use of or proposed improvements to a property do not meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Variance packets are available online however they must be applied for in person at the City of Manchester, NH, Building Department located at One City Hall Plaza, West Wing, Manchester, NH. It is important that all documents listed in the variance packet be provided to allow for timely review.
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What do I need to get a pool permit?
A plot plan of your property will need to be submitted, drawn to scale, showing parking, all structures on your property (decks, sheds, stairs, chimneys, bulkheads, patios, etc.), and indicating all setbacks. Self-closing, self-locking gates are required. A separate electrical permit is also required.



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Who is responsible for getting a permit - the homeowner or the contractor?
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that a permit has been applied for and approved prior to any work being initiated.
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Do I need a permit for a yard sale? What is the cost?
A permit is required for a yard sale. The cost is $5.00 for residential properties. Two yard sales are allowed per calendar year, per address, limited to a maximum of 3 consecutive days' duration.
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What is a Certificate of Compliance?
A Certificate of Compliance is a document issued by the Building Department attesting that the designated dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming house, upon inspection, was found to be in compliance with Chapter 150 of the City of Manchester Code of Ordinances. Certificates must be renewed every three years.
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How long does it take to get a permit?
Some permits can be issued immediately while others may require review and approval by the respective inspector. Normal processing is 3-5 business days with 7-10 business days allowed for larger and/or commercial projects.
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When are inspections done?
Certificate of Compliance inspections are scheduled by our inspectors and are performed between 8:30-12:00 AM and 1:30-4:30 PM. You will receive a postcard indicating the date and time of a scheduled inspection.

Same day inspections for structural (building, plumbing, heating and electrical) are done Monday thru Friday from 9:00-12:00 AM for south and east locations and 2:00-4:30 PM for north and west locations. Requests for inspections should be made between the hours of 8:00-9:00 AM (for south and east locations) and 1:00-2:00 PM (for north and west locations).

Any request for inspection must be scheduled directly with the inspector. No voicemail requests will be accepted.
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Do I need a permit for a fence?
Permits are required for fences and retaining walls. Requirements can be found in Article 8.22 Fences, Walls and Similar Barriers of the Zoning Ordinance. Most fences can be placed on lot lines however there are height restrictions and corner lot restrictions. There is no rule regarding the "good side" of the fence.
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How long is a permit good for?
Once a permit is approved, work must be initiated within six months and completed within twelve months.
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My heat is included in my rent. What temperature is my landlord required to maintain?
Per the requirements of Section 150.085 of the Housing Code Ordinance, a landlord is required to maintain the temperature at 68 degrees during the day; 62 degrees at night.
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Where can I obtain information on lead paint?'
Information on lead paint can be obtained by clicking on the following link: Lead Paint Forms and Information..
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