Building and Code Enforcement

Hours

Mon: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Tue: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Wed: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Thu: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Fri: 8:30am to 4:00pm

Building Department & Code Enforcement
Upholding Integrity Through Inspections

Building Code Implementation

Click on the links below to review

Categories always sorted by seq (sub-categories sorted within each category)
Documents sorted by SEQ in Ascending Order within category

New Building Code Implementation

2021 Code Implementation Guidance

document seq 0.00

2026 State Bldg Code Amendments

document seq 0.00

Welcome to your Building Department of Stratham NH

Having a qualified building inspector in a town provides several benefits:

Ensuring Safety: Building inspectors help identify and rectify any safety hazards or violations in buildings, reducing the risk of accidents or disasters.
Compliance with Regulations: Inspectors ensure that construction projects adhere to building codes and regulations, promoting legal compliance and avoiding penalties or legal issues.
Quality Control: Inspectors verify the quality of construction work, materials, and structural integrity, which helps maintain the overall quality of buildings in the town.
Property Value: By upholding standards, inspectors help preserve property values in the town, as well-maintained, compliant structures contribute to the attractiveness and desirability of the area.
Community Image: A town with well-maintained, safe buildings projects a positive image, which can attract businesses, residents, and investment, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the community.

Services Provided by your Building Department

Inspections
Plan Review
General consultations for building and zoning inquires
Permit application review

Staff Contacts

First Name	Last Name	Profession	Phone
Joe	O'Callaghan	Building Inspector, Code Enforcement and Health Officer	(603) 772-7391 .ext 182
Jeanne	Hindy	Office Coordinator for Building and Planning	(603) 772-7391 .ext 180
Vanessa	Price	Director of Planning & Building	(603) 772-7391 .ext 147

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for Decks and Stairs?

The American Wood Council dictates the regulations on Decks and Stairs. Below are some requirements and a link to the reference.
- Stairs:
  - Treads are to be at a minimum 10"
  - Risers are to be no more than 7 3/4"
  - Nose is to be between 3/4" to 1 1/4" rounded
  - Hand rails are required on stairs with 4 or more raisers
- Decks
  - Decks over 30 inches shall require guard railings
  - Baluster spacing is 4"
awc-dca62012-deckguide-1405.pdf

What are the requirements for Egress Windows?

The primary purpose of the egress window is to provide an occupant with an alternate escape route when fire or smoke blocks the primary means of escape from the dwelling unit. The egress window is required when the building lacks an automatic sprinkler system or a door remote from the primary means of escape.
- For more information please click the link below to review the Division of Fire Safety's Information Bulletin.
2019-01secondarymeansofescape-windowsanddoors.pdf

What is a Accessory Dwelling Unit and do I qualify for one?

An ADU is a residential living unit that is within a single-family dwelling (attached ADU) OR within an accessory structure (detached ADU), and meets the requirements set forth in Stratham’s Zoning Ordinance. ADU's offer several benefits for homeowners including allowing a separate living space for relatives or can be rented or leased in the real estate market.
To see if you qualify for one click on our Fact Sheet below.
adu_fact_sheet_with_zo_5.4.pdf

How and when should I schedule an Inspection?

To schedule simply call the office at 603-772-7391 ext. 180 Monday through Friday 8 to 4.
The optimal time to schedule an inspection is 48 hrs prior to completion of a job. Some projects require multiple inspections and the inspector requires the contractor to be there through those stages. Oftentimes the preferred method is to ask what the schedule looks like when applying for a permit and most likely we can schedule right then and there.

Can I perform my own work?

Simple answer is yes on a Single Family House ONLY. If you live in duplex, condo or any other type of dwelling you will need to hire a licensed professional contractor.
- We provide an affidavit that you can fill out and sign when you apply for an electrical permit, stating that you will perform your own work in your own house only. Click link below.
Best answer: Not recommended. Are you up to date with the ICC National Codes? Sure, you can google the answers but that doesn’t make you a licensed electrician or plumber? Are the small savings from not hiring a licensed electrician or plumber worth the investment you put into your house and the cost of Lawyer fees if someone gets hurt from your work?

What are the requirements for Pools and Hot Tubs?

Click the link below to review the code.
- https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ispsc2018/chapter-3-general-compliance

Do I need a fence around my pool?

Yes it is required. Click the link below to review that code.
- https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ispsc2018/chapter-3-general-compliance

How do I know if my project meets the Building Code Requirements?

Its the contractors and owners responsibility to search the codes. Great news! It's completely free to search those codes. Click the link below to review those codes.
- https://www.nh.gov/safety/boardsandcommissions/bldgcode/nhstatebldgcode.html

Do I need to apply for a permit when doing ordinary repairs to my house?

Well, that depends. Ordinary repairs listed below do not require a permit.
- Floor coverings such as carpet, vinyl planking, hardwood…etc.
- Painting or Wallpaper
- Interior trim
- Direct replacement of cabinets and counter tops

How long does it take to receive my Permit?

That depends on a couple of factors. Seasonal fluctuation is the biggest factor. All permits require the Inspector's approval and when the weather gets warmer and it’s easier to work outside, there are more applications being filled out. The other factor is accuracy. When applying for a permit, double check your work and make sure the whole form is complete.
The friendly associates of the Building Department would love nothing more than to answer your questions and to help asset in clarifying the process.

Where can I apply for a Permit?

There are two routes you can take to apply for a permit.
- First is you can simply go onto the Towns website by clicking the link below and selecting the appropriate permit application.
- The second is to swing by the building department office at the town hall and meet our great staff who are more than happy to assist you.
- Don’t forget every Residential Permit requires plans, drawings, or sketches of the scope work you are having done.

When do I need a Permit?

Stratham Zoning Ordinance 16.2.1 States: Permit Required: Any person before commencing work on the erection or alteration of any building or structure must first obtain a permit duly granted for such erection or alteration by the Building Inspector. Before a permit shall be issued by the Building Inspector, he shall determine whether the proposed construction or alterations conforms to all the conditions of this Ordinance. For the construction of agricultural buildings with no public use (public use is defined as use that includes the general public utilizing the proposed structure) there shall be no Planning Board review required and permitting will comply with Appendix C, Group U – Agricultural Buildings found in the NH State Building Code. (Rev. 3/16)
Commencing Work Prior to Issuance of a Building Permit (all types of construction) - Any person who is found to have demolished, constructed, altered, removed or changed the use of a building or structure without the benefit of a building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical permit shall, upon issuance of said permit(s), be assessed a permit fee of twice the normal rate the permit fee would be, or $100 minimum whichever is greater.

Services

Forms

All of Stratham, NH tab

Building and Code Enforcement

Building Department & Code Enforcement
Upholding Integrity Through Inspections

Building Code Implementation

New Building Code Implementation

Welcome to your Building Department of Stratham NH

Having a qualified building inspector in a town provides several benefits:

Services Provided by your Building Department

Staff Contacts

Contact Us

General Information

Services & Operations

Community Resources

Services

Forms

All of Stratham, NH tab

Building and Code Enforcement

Building Department & Code EnforcementUpholding Integrity Through Inspections

Building Code Implementation

Search for file name:

New Building Code Implementation

Welcome to your Building Department of Stratham NH

Having a qualified building inspector in a town provides several benefits:

Services Provided by your Building Department

Staff Contacts

Building Department & Code Enforcement
Upholding Integrity Through Inspections