Town of Bow
Municipal Office Building
10 Grandview Road
Bow, NH 03034

Building Department - PERMITS

Building Permit Electrical Permit
Mechanical Permit Plumbing Permit
Building Permit Fee Calculation FAQ's

Information needed to Apply for a Permit:

Most Construction activity requires a Permit, this includes: decks, dormers, swimming pools (above-ground and in-ground), porches, sheds, plumbing, electrical, LP and Natural gas fitting, HVAC, and most renovation projects. Permits are valid for one year.

Please submit the following to apply for a BUILDING PERMIT. For other types of permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, (HVAC) & gas fitting) not all items may be applicable. Commercial buildings & other special circumstances (ie: changes of occupancy), additional information will be required. The staff will gladly assist you if you have any questions.

◊ Address of property and owner’s name. The phone number, and daytime contact information of the applicant. Site or plot plan with setbacks from property lines, well & septic system & street Right of Ways. Minimum setbacks for Residential & Rural Zones are: Front 35 ft; Side & Rear 20 ft; Business Development, Industrial Zones, Commercial Zones differ.

Wetlands have minimum required setbacks per Zoning Ordinance Article 10.01D.

◊ 2 sets of construction plans. 1 set 11x17 & 1full set of plans to scale. Unfinished areas to be finished, such as attic, over garage, basement, indicate area(s) on the plan.
Finished basements have special requirements (refer to basement handout)
◊ Interior Renovations: Provide a sketch of the existing layout with all rooms identified and provide a sketch of the new renovations indicating all proms. “Indicate all load bearing walls to be removed or added”.
◊ Estimated cost of construction (excluding land, well & septic system)
◊ Energy Code Compliance. For Additional Information call 271-6306 (PUC)

For New Homes the following items are also required prior to Occupancy. Please note it is the Applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are completed.

◊ Septic design is to be approved by Town of Bow & also the State of NH (DES) -Sub Surface Bureau phone number (603) 271-3501.
◊ Name of well drilling company, well depth and test results. (See handout for required tests)
◊ Oil burners permitted by Fire Department. Phone 228-4320
◊ Driveway Permit approved & submitted by Road Agent, or if on a State road, by State Dot
◊ Sewer Connection Fee (if applicable), to be paid when obtaining the building permit. For information contact 228-1187 Ext.11 Impact Fee (calculated per zoning ordinance).
◊ Street Number (reflective) 3 inches high on both sides of mailbox or post. (See handout).

Codes in Effect
2009 International Residential Code*, 2009 International Building Code*, 2009 International Plumbing Code*, 2009 International Mechanical Code*, 2009 International Energy Conservation Code*, NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2011 edition*
*(with NH amendments) Town of Bow amendments see Zoning Ordinance Article 14.01.A.la.

For more information, please call the Building Inspector’s Office: 603 (228-1189) Monday-Friday from 7:30- 4:00 Fax 603 (225-2982)

Amended 7-16-2011

FAQ's

Do I need a permit?

Most building, demolition and home projects require a building permit. It is the responsibility of the homeowner and/or contractor to ensure that the proper permits are acquired prior to beginning the work process. All new construction, additions, decks, garages, sheds, most renovations, and swimming pools require permits. Maintenance work such as replacing siding, or replacing an old deck with a new one exactly the same, does not need a permit. If the job entails enlarging such as adding dormers when replacing a roof, or conversions, such as making a deck into a screen porch these types of projects require permits. Mechanical (HVAC), gas, electrical, plumbing and sign (including temporary signs) require separate permits. Obtaining a building permit application can be done in person at the office, on-line or by email.

How long does it take to get a building permit after I apply?

If the application package is complete, you will be notified a few days, but usually not more than 30 days. In some instances the permit can be issued when you apply, if the required information for the permit is complete. In some instances a plan review may be necessary in which the Building Inspector will make a determination if additional information may be needed and you will be given a plan review list of what is needed to obtain your building permit.

How much does a Building Permit cost?

  1. For Residential Projects, the fee is based on the square footage, plus a basic non refundable application fee. Payment is required when the Permit is picked up. Commercial Projects, the fee is based upon square footage or price per $1,000 which ever is greater along with a non refundable permit fee.
  2. Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Sign permits are individual permits with each having different costs and a small non refundable application fee.

How do I know when to call for an inspection?

  1. Residential Projects, you will receive a checklist with a list of inspections that will be checked off along with a phone number in which you will be required to call to request the inspection that you will be needing. We require a 24 hour notice when requesting your inspection. When requesting an inspection we need your building permit number and project address.
  2. Commercial Projects, you will receive a checklist with a list of inspections, however in some cases your plan review will determine if 3rd party inspections may also be required. We require a 24 hours notice when requesting your inspection(s). When requesting an inspection have your building permit number and project address ready.

How long is a permit good for?

Building Permits automatically expire if the work has not commenced within one year (1), or if the work has not been completed with a period of two years (2). In order to continue you must write a letter asking for an extension which may result in additional fees.

Time limit EXCEPTIONS TO PERMITS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Special Exceptions, Variances, and Conditional Use Permits

With the exception of approvals for excavation (which are granted for a duration of three (3) years pursuant to Article 7, Section 7.15 Excavation of Earth Materials) Conditional Use Permits issued by the Planning Board or Special Exceptions and Variances issued by the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall automatically expire two (2) years after the date of approval if at that time:

  1. The Conditions of approval have not been met; or
  2. Any related state of local permit or approval is outstanding; or
  3. The action authorized by the land use board(s) has not commenced

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Town of Bow Building Department

10 Grandview Road, Lower Level, Bow, NH 03304
Phone: (603) 228-1189 ~  Fax: (603) 225-2982 or Email: Contact Us

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