Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the building department. Discuss your plans with the Building Inspector before beginning construction to determine whether you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, they can answer construction questions and may provide valuable advice. 

Generally, most building, demolition and home projects require a permits, such as;

• New buildings
• Sheds, barns and other accessory buildings
• Re-Roofing
• Additions 
• Residential work (decks, garages, fireplaces, etc.)
• Renovations (basement finishing, kitchen remodels, etc.)
• Swimming pools
• Electrical systems and installations, including generators and EV chargers
• Plumbing system repairs and replacements
• HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems- including Mini-split systems

Building permit applications are available in our office at Bow’s Municipal Building or here on our website. In addition to a completed application for each project there may be specific requirements needed to process permit applications. 

The Building Permit & Plan Submittal Requirements page has the lists of documentation required for permit applications. Majority of residential projects do not require stamped engineered plans, however it is up to the Inspector to determine when engineered plans would be required. Plumbing, mechanical and electrical plans may also be required on a case-by-case basis.

For most building projects, the fee is based on the square footage, plus a basic nonrefundable application fee. Payment is required when you apply. No reviews will be conducted without the fee being paid.  Permit Fee Schedule

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC & Sign permits are individual permits, each having different costs and a small nonrefundable application fee.

Please contact our office for assistance with calculating the fees.

Building permit applications are processed as quickly as possible, however, many factors play a role into the length of time a permit application takes. Accuracy and completeness of information have a major effect on application review time, as well as the fluctuations in the seasonal workload.  Permit applications with incomplete or missing information only delay an approval process.  Good project planning is the best way to assure your permit will be ready when you are.   Permit applications are available anytime so there are no restrictions against applying for a permit months in advance of your project.

Permits automatically expire if the work has not started within one year, or if the work has not been completed within a period of two years. If an extension becomes necessary, a single extension may be granted for 6-months. Additional fees may apply. 

Upon the approval of a permit, specific inspections will be required, a list of which will be provided to you with your permit. Please call 24-hours in advance to schedule an inspection appointment at (603) 223-3973. Inspections are scheduled Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm.

Prior to any connection to the municipal sewer system, a permit will be required. You will also need to contact our Finance Department for the applicable connection fees. 

For system hook-ups and service requests, contact: 

Whitewater, Inc.

Phone: 888-377-7678

Under NH State Law (RSA 155-A), the State of NH utilizes and adopts a suite of Codes published by the International Code Council. The current editions and amendments can be found here.

Additionally, Bow has its own amendment to the IRC. Under Bow Ord. §14.01, the town amends IRC §R310.1 to add, “In newly constructed buildings where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening, a bulkhead enclosure and bulkhead door shall not be permitted.  Homes constructed after the effective date of this ordinance shall have an at-grade basement access, other than through a garage, in the form an enclosed structure with an at-grade, vertical hung door opening inward.”

Accessory Dwelling Unit PDF