HOME   DEPARTMENTS  ~  NEWS  ~  COMMUNITY EVENTS  ~  MEETINGS  ~  MINUTES  ~  LOCAL LINKS  ~  SEARCH  ~  OTHER

Town of Henniker New Hampshire

Building Permits

Building Permits

Contact Info  |  Applications  |  FAQs  |  Helpful Links

Contact Info

HOURS:  Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm

LOCATION: Town Hall, 18 Depot Hill Road, Henniker NH 03242

PHONE:  (603) 428-3221 ext. 1

FAX: (603) 428-4366

Applications 

Helpful Links

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to build things "to code" in New Hampshire? 

How can I look up the code?  Or research how to do something "to code"?

When do I need a residential building permit in Henniker?

When do I need a commercial building permit in Henniker?

How much do building permits cost in Henniker?

When should I call for an inspection?

What are the guidelines for installing a wood stove?

What about asbestos?

Do I need to call Digsafe?

What other types of permits might I need?

 

Building FAQs

Do I have to build things "to code" in New Hampshire?  

Yes!  The State recently adopted building codes that are in effect in all towns and cities.  It is the responsibility of whoever is building to build in accordance with the State building code.  There are codes for electrical, plumbing, construction, mechanical and energy conservation.  They are published by the International Code Council (http://www.iccsafe.org).  Here is a list from State of NH, showing which codes are currently in effect.

How can I look up the code?  Or research how to do something "to code"?

Stop by Town Hall Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.  We have the most current code books available for you to research, including electrical, mechanical, residential, commercial and energy efficiency. 

If you want to get a copy of your own codebook, visit the publishers, International Code Council, at http://www.iccsafe.org.  Be sure to check the State of NH Current Code List, showing which codes are currently in effect in our state.

When do I need a residential building permit in Henniker? 

For single and two-family homes, basically you need to get a building permit whenever the materials cost is $5,000 or more.  This is the infamous "$5,000" rule in Henniker.  It applies only to residential situations (single & two-family homes).  Please note that the "$5,000 rule" is for materials only, not labor.

However, you can always get a Building Permit, no matter how much the material costs.  What are the benefits of getting a permit? 

  1. You have access to the Building Inspector, should you wish the work to be inspected.

  2. You can get an official "Certificate of Occupancy"

  3. There will be a permanent record maintained at Town Hall, should future buyers or investors wish to assess the building history of the property.

  4. There will be a permanent record maintained at Town Hall, including names of contractors and signed liability waivers, should you wish to get in touch with those companies or individuals in the future.

  5. Any improvements you make will be assessed the following spring by the town's assessor, giving your home a new value.  Please note that a change in value does mean a change in your annual property tax bill.  The town's Assessor will review all Building Permits once a year and assign new property values at that time.

SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS:  Below is a partial list of when the state building code says you do not need a residential permit.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call (603) 428-3221 ext. 1 or email landuse@henniker.org.

  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work

  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet

  • Retaining walls under 4-foot tall that are not supporting a surcharge

  • Swings and other playground equipment

When do I need a commercial building permit in Henniker? 

The Town of Henniker requires a permit, inspection process and Certificate of Occupancy for all commercial and industrial building activity.

SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS:  Below is a partial list of when the state building code says you do not need a commercial permit.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call (603) 428-3221 ext. 1 or email landuse@henniker.org.

  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work

  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet

  • Temporary motion picture, television and theater state sets and scenery

  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more then 54" and do not require additional support of Groups R-3 and U occupancies

  • Minor electrical repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles

How much do building permits cost in Henniker? 

Electric-only Permits - $0 (no charge)

 

Plumbing-only Permits - $0 (no charge)

 

Driveway Permits - $5 ($0 if filed with the Building Permit Application)

 

Demolition-Only Permits - $25

 

Commercial Building Permits

 

    Town Buildings - No fee for building permits

    Minor construction - $50

    Commercial Structure - Minimum fee is $75 if it's under 1,000 square feet.  If it's over 1,000 SF the fee is $0.08 per square foot.

 

Residential Building Permits (One and Two-Families only):

New Residential Single family or Two-Family, includes manufactured housing - minimum fee $75 if under 1,000 square feet.  If it's over 1,000 square feet the fee is $0.08 per square foot.

 

Additions (including Garages, Porches, Decks &  Breezeways) - Minimum fee is $25 if under 600 square feet; or $0.08 per square foot if over 600 square feet.

 

Alterations, Demolition, Storage Sheds, Fences, Swimming Pools - $25

Violations & Penalties

    $50  Any construction started without a required permit.

    $25  If a permit is withdrawn after application.

When should I call for an inspection? 

  • To schedule an appointment, call Nicole at (603) 428-3221 ext. 1

  • Prior to backfilling the foundation

  • When framing is complete

  • Prior to insulating or covering up electric and plumbing

  • Final inspection (call both the Building Inspector 428-3221 ext. 1 and Fire Department 428-7552)

What are the guidelines for installing a wood stove?

    Check out this booklet from the Main Office of Energy Resources and State Fire Marshall's Office.

What about asbestos?

The State of New Hampshire requires written notification before any demolition, regardless of the amount of asbestos.  You must notify the State of NH and the Henniker Health Officer at least 10 days prior to the demolition.  Call the NH Dept. of Environmental Services at (603) 271-1370.

Asbestos Brochure from NH Dept. of Environmental Services

Do I need to call Digsafe?

State law requires everyone to call DIGSAFE before digging, at least 72 hours in advance, so that utility companies can be notified.  Digging can be dangerous and costly without knowing where underground facilities are located.

Call 888-DIG-SAFE (344-7233)
or Dial 811 visit
http://www.digsafe.com

What other types of permits might I need?

The following activities require that a permit or license be obtained through the Town prior to beginning any such activity:

 

HOME  ~   DEPARTMENTS   ~  NEWS  ~   COMMUNITY EVENTS  ~  PUBLIC MEETINGS  ~  LOCAL LINKS  ~  SEARCH   ~  OTHER

 
Official Website of the Town of Henniker, Municipal Offices
Henniker Town Hall, 18 Depot Hill Road, Henniker NH 03242, (603) 428-3221, info@henniker.org