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The Application Process

The following information is provided for your assistance. Please review the permit application form thoroughly. Feel free to contact the Building Department with any questions at (603) 875-2164 or use the contact form found on this page.

Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Gas, Well and Septic Installation, Sign, Driveway, and Right of Way (ROW) permit applications are available at the Building Department in Town Hall, 1 Monument Square. Driveway and ROW applications must be submitted to the Highway Department (603-875-6808, 80 Letter S Road) for review and approval. Propane tank burial permits are obtained from the Fire Department; all other gas work permits are issued by the Building Department. Oil burner installation permits are also obtained from the Fire Department.

Building Permit applications that are complete are usually processed within 7-10 business days. You will be contacted once the permit has been issued. Fees are calculated during the application review and are paid when the permit is picked up; payment is by cash or check only, we do not have the ability to accept credit/debit cards at this time.

Applications may be typed or filled out by hand, but they must be legible. The property owner is responsible for ensuring that all information in the application is correct. For projects that do not require full-size plans, the application can be submitted by email.

Building plans are required and must comply with all State of NH and Town of Alton codes and regulations. Two full-size plan copies (22”x34” or similar) with accurate scale and one 11”x17” plan copy are to be submitted for new homes, commercial buildings, major additions and renovations, and certain other structures.

Permits are issued for a two-year period. They expire if not substantially acted upon within 9 months.

A Plot Plan shall be included as part of the application. It shall be neatly drawn and include the following information.

  • North arrow
  • Boundaries of the lot with dimensions in feet.
  • Setback distances from structures to all property lines. Please remember that the front setback is measured from your property line, not from the road. (In campgrounds and mobile home parks, indicate setback to nearest structures and roads on all sides from both the existing and proposed structure.)
  • Setback distances from all bodies of water and wetlands.
  • Names and locations of roads adjacent to lot.
  • Location of all driveways. Identify if existing or proposed. A Driveway permit application must be completed for proposed new driveways, and for change of use or expansions of existing driveways.
  • Existing structures on a lot: include septic system, drainage structures, wells, and other utilities.
  • Proposed structures and additions showing overall dimensions.
  • Height in feet of proposed construction.
  • Location of any wetlands, floodplain, streams, etc. on site.
  • Location of any on-site or adjacent cemeteries or burial sites.
  • Any additional information that will adequately describe the proposed work.

Failure to submit a completed plot plan will delay the processing of your application. Plans must be in ink and legible. Use of existing approved plans for septic systems or Shoreland/Wetland permits as plot plans is allowed. Compliance with those plans shall be verified prior to the issuing of a Certificate of Occupancy. If the distance to property line setbacks is in question, it may be required that a New Hampshire Licensed Land Surveyor be hired to verify property line locations.

The owner or their agent (frequently the contractor) is responsible for contacting the Building Department to schedule all required inspections as detailed on the Construction Inspection Schedule information sheet provided with the Building Permit. That information sheet is also available in the Forms and Applications section of this web page.

Again, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We are here to help you get through your project with as little difficulty as possible.