Manchester, NH Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- State Building Code + local amendments
- Permit authority
- RSA 676:12, adopted locally
- Enforcing office
- Planning & Community Development / Inspector of Buildings
- Local amendments adopted
- Ordinance passed 7-6-21
Summary
Manchester adopts the NH State Building Code, plus its own local amendments, as the "Building Code of the City of Manchester," issues building permits under RSA 676:12, and enforces through the Planning and Community Development Department's Building Regulations Division.
It is the purpose of this chapter to recognize the authority of the Building Code of the State of New Hampshire ("State Building Code") as set forth by R.S.A. 155-A and adopt local amendments thereto pursuant to R.S.A. 674:51... Updates by the State of New Hampshire to the State Building Code shall automatically become effective for the Building Code of the City of Manchester... Local amendments to the State Building Code, now or in the future, shall survive all amendments and updates to State Building Code and will remain in full force and effect unless repealed or amended by the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
City ordinance recognizes the State Building Code (RSA 155-A) and layers on local amendments adopted by ordinance July 6, 2021 (Code §§ 151.10-151.39), collectively the "Building Code of the City of Manchester"; state updates apply automatically but local amendments survive them. Building permits are issued under RSA 676:12 as adopted at Code § 151.04. Under § 149.00, the former Building Department was folded into the Planning and Community Development Department as its Building Regulations Division, and that department's Director doubles as the city's Inspector of Buildings, administering, interpreting and enforcing the Building Code and inspecting covered work citywide.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 151 offenses without a specific penalty draw a fine up to the statutory cap under RSA 47:17 (Code § 151.99); each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues building permits in Manchester?
Does Manchester use the state building code as-is?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle building permits.