Inspectional Services Frequently Asked Questions
Come to the Inspectional Services Division at Town Hall, 12 School Street or download the building permit application from the Town Inspectional Services Permits & Applications webpage.
Come into Inspectional Services and speak with the staff. Prior to issuing a permit, our staff will make sure that all codes and regulations are met, and also review the plans to make certain they comply with zoning and the applicable building codes. Prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, the plans are then given to the Town Planner, Town Civil Engineer, Zoning Department and the Fire Department for their review and approval. Once the foregoing tasks are complete a member of the department will contact you to receive your Building Permit.
You need to obtain a building permit for new construction or for altering existing construction. You generally do not have to obtain a building permit to make repairs, although there are exceptions to this rule. Additions, finishing an attic or basement, or changing interior walls are examples of alterations that require a building permit. A wood-burning stove or an indoor hot tub may also require a building permit. In addition, exterior additions such as a deck, pool, fence, shed, or garage require a building permit.
The following are examples of work requiring a building permit. Note, this is not an all inclusive list:
- New construction
- Alteration of an existing building
- An addition to an existing building
- Change in use of a building
- Cutting of part or all of a wall or partition
- Removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support
- Removal or change of any required means of egress
- Work affecting structural or fire safety
- Work that increases the non conformity of an existing building
- Work that affects public health or safety
By State Law we have 30 days to review a building permit application. Please note that you will be contacted when the permit is complete and ready for you to pick-up at Town Hall.
Many different fees apply depending upon what permit you are applying for. Please contact the Inspectional Services office at 603-886-6005 for further information.
One set of plans are needed.
The Inspectional Services Division is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Commercial and Industrial require permits for all three. Residential windows do require a permit, roof and siding do not.
Check the Table of Minimum Dimensional Requirements, § 334-27 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance, in its entirety, is found on the Town website: click Doing Business, Getting Started, then Hudson Town Code.
Check the Town Zoning Map, which can be found on the Community Development Department webpage.
The ground snow load is 60lbs per square foot
36in. x 38in. Residential 34in. to 38in. commercial.
48 inches.
- A plot plan. Exempt from this requirement: aboveground pools, decks, and sheds.
- Who is the contractor doing the work?
- What work is going to be done (exactly)?
- Sketches, drawings, dimensions, plans, size, type of construction (i.e., 2 x 8, etc.)
Page 4 and page 5 of the building permit application has a detailed list of documents needed with submital.
Contact the Inspectional Services office at (603) 886-6005 and a member will schedule you for the next available appointment. Make sure your site is ready for inspection as a re-inspection fee will be charged to anyone who isn’t ready.
- Commercial and Industrial: International Building Code 2018 (IBC) with amendments
- Residential: International Residential Code 2018 (IRC) 2015 with amendments
- Electrical: National Electrical Code 2020 (NFPA 70) with amendments
- Plumbing: International Plumbing Code 2018 (IPC) with amendments
- Mechanical: International Mechanical Code 2018 (IMC) with amendments
Contact Information
Main Level of Town Hall
12 School Street
Hudson, NH 03051
Phone: (603) 886-6005
Fax: (603) 594-1142
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm
