Nashua, NH Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Nashua, NH, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, regardless of shed size
- Fee under 200 sq ft
- $30 flat residential minimum fee
- Fee 200+ sq ft
- $0.18 per square foot
- Min front setback
- 20 feet
- Late-start surcharge
- 100% of fee, capped $275
Summary
Nashua charges a flat $30 minimum permit fee for residential sheds under 200 square feet, billed as miscellaneous equipment rather than per-square-foot new construction; the city requires a building permit before any work begins.
Minimum fee for miscellaneous equipment (each), excluding the application fee, where not otherwise provided for by this section [for example: residential antennas, small sheds (less than 200 square feet), or construction trailers] or as deemed appropriate by the Building Official or his or her designee: ... Residential: $30. ... Commercial: $50.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Nashua's building permit fee schedule, sheds are permitted structures, not exempt by size. A shed under 200 square feet falls under the 'miscellaneous equipment' minimum fee, $30 for residential, $50 for commercial, instead of the standard $0.18-per-square-foot new-construction rate. Larger sheds are billed at that per-square-foot rate like any other accessory building. No permit is valid, and no work may begin, until the Department of Building Safety collects the fee and issues the permit. Sheds must also meet Chapter 190's detached accessory-building setbacks: minimum 20-foot front, 6-foot side or rear.
Violations & Fines
Starting construction without a permit adds a 100% fee surcharge, capped at $275 for residential work, and Building Code violations are enforced under NRO Chapter 74 and RSA 676:15-17-b.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small storage shed in Nashua?
How much does a shed permit cost in Nashua?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
How Nashua compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Nashua to another location·View the New Hampshire accessory structures overview
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