Building & Code Enforcement

Overview

The Building & Code Enforcement office administers building permits, short-term rental permits, and other code enforcement functions in the Town of Gorham. All construction, renovation, and regulated uses must comply with applicable New Hampshire State Law and local zoning/building standards.

Office Location & Contact 20 Park Street Gorham, NH 03581 Phone: 603-466-3322 x7 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Key Links

Building Permits

Why You Need a Building Permit

You must obtain a building permit before starting construction, renovation, or other regulated work. Permits help ensure:

Public safety for occupants and visitors
Compliance with zoning and building standards
Accuracy in property tax assessments

How to Apply

Review standards applicable to your project.
Submit a completed application (short or full) with necessary plans and sketches to the Gorham Town Hall.
The Code Compliance Officer reviews the project for compliance with local and state codes.
For projects beyond single-family homes, Planning Board review may be required.

Building Permit Application (PDF) Available online or at the Town Hall.

Permits are typically ready within 7–10 business days. State law allows up to 30 days review.

Posting & Timing

Permits must be posted visibly on site before starting work.
Starting a project without a permit can lead to a stop-work order and possible penalties (e.g., additional fee).

Permit Expiration

Permits expire after one year.
Residential permits are eligible for two free renewals.
Commercial renewals are annual with a fee.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Beginning work without the proper permit may result in a Stop Work Order and financial penalties. In some cases, you might need to remove or replace work that doesn’t meet code standards. The property owner is responsible for all permits regardless of contractor involvement.

Building Permit Fees

The Building Permit Fees document (updated May 23, 2022) includes fee schedules for:

Building permits
Electrical permits
Plumbing permits
Sign permits
Zoning permits
Home occupation permits
Mechanical permits
Demolition and asbestos permits

Fees are established by the town and linked on the Building & Code Enforcement page.

Note: The official schedule is provided as a downloadable fee schedule PDF.

Building Permit Process — Summary

Review applicable building and zoning standards.
Complete and submit applications with all required attachments.
Permit staff review for compliance; additional board reviews may be required.
Applicant receives approval or guidance on corrections.
Permit is issued — display at the work site and schedule inspections as required.

Short-Term Rental Permits

The Town of Gorham regulates Short-Term Rentals (STRs) (rentals for less than 30 nights) in residentially zoned areas. A permit is required for any dwelling unit rented in this manner.

Permit Requirements

All STR units operating after July 1, 2022 must be permitted.
A completed application form signed by the Selectboard designee serves as the permit.
Permit validity is typically one year (7/1–6/30) and must be renewed annually before expiration.

Compliance Standards

To qualify for an STR permit, the dwelling must:

Comply with all applicable NFPA (fire and life safety) codes adopted by the State of NH.
Meet minimum health and sanitation requirements (e.g., hot/cold water, functioning sewage, no infestation).
Comply with all town ordinances (e.g., zoning, parking, refuse storage).
Observe occupancy limits based on number of bedrooms (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2).
Ensure all vehicles associated with the rental are parked on-site in designated areas.
Provide proof of a valid NH Rooms & Meals Tax license.
Provide a local contact who can promptly respond to issues or violations.

Fee & Inspection

Annual fees for STR permits are established by the Board of Selectmen to cover administration and inspection costs.
Properties are typically inspected for compliance before issuance and renewal.

Penalties

Operating an STR without a valid permit may result in escalating fines beginning with a warning, followed by increased penalties for continued non-compliance.

Short Term Rental Application Form

The full Short Term Rental Permit Application form and regulations are available in a PDF on the Town’s website.

Additional Information

Interpretations and code appeals can be directed to the Code Compliance Officer.
Other permits (e.g., sign permits, zoning permits) may also be required depending on your project or use.
For assistance or questions, contact the Building & Code Enforcement office at Town Hall or visit the official Gorham NH website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do my own electrical, new or repair/replacement, and do I need a permit?

A permit is required, and a permit will not be issued unless a licensed individual is doing the work. By State law a homeowner may make electrical installations in or about a single-family residence occupied by him/her or to be occupied by him/her as his or her bona fide personal abode (not a multi-family home). All work must still comply with applicable electrical codes. A separate Electrical Permit can be obtained for an electric-only project.

Can I do my own plumbing, new or repair/replacement, and do I need a permit?

A permit is required, and a permit will not be issued unless a licensed individual is doing the work. By State law a property owner or the property owner’s agent may install, repair, or replace plumbing in the property owner’s own single family home. All work must still comply with applicable plumbing codes. A separate Plumbing Permit can be obtained for plumbing-only project.

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Please refer to Article V, Section 5.11 of the Town of Gorham Zoning Ordinance for information regarding permits for fences. Fences are not required to meet minimum setback requirements. (Note: If the property borders a State of NH Controlled Right-of-Way then permission must be obtained from the NH Department of Transportation) If the fence is 6’ or taller it is considered a structure and must meet the minimum setback requirements for the property zone or request a Special Exception.

Do I need a permit for a new or renovated sign?

All sign types are regulated. Permits are necessary to erect a sign, change the size, or location of a sign, or to add or change the lighting for a sign. No permit is necessary if you are only changing the face of an existing sign without any dimension or location changes. Click here for Sign Permit applications or you may pick one up at the Town Hall Main Office.

Do I need a permit for a Home Occupation?

Home Occupations require review by the Code Compliance Officer. Please contact The Assessing Office at the Gorham Town Hall for more information at (603) 466-3322 x4 or x113.

Is a permit necessary for the “Change of Use” of a structure or property?

Yes. A permit is required to change the use of a property:

to/from a dwelling
by increasing/decreasing the number of dwelling units
from a residential use to a non-residential use
from one non-residential use to another

Do I need a permit for an in-ground or above-ground pool?

Yes, both in-ground and above-ground pools require a permit.

Do I need a permit for a tarp or canvas covered structure?

Yes. These are considered “membrane structures” and do require a permit in the same manner as all other structures.

Do I need a permit for a “prefab” shed, gazebo, or other structure, which is delivered to my property and not built on site?

Yes.

If I am increasing or decreasing the size of an existing structure, porch, deck, etc. do I need a permit?