Nashua, NH Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License issued by
- Board of Public Works
- House-move license fee
- $300 base fee
- Max penalty
- $1,000/day fine (§ 1-12)
- Security obligation
- Fence and light nightly (§ 285-14)
Summary
Nashua requires a written license from the Board of Public Works before anyone can obstruct or encumber a street, alley, sidewalk, or other public place, granted only on terms and conditions the Board deems safe and proper.
The Board of Public Works may grant a license in writing to any person for the purpose of building or for other lawful purposes, to obstruct or encumber so much and such part of any street, lane, alley, sidewalk, or other public place in the City, and on such terms and conditions as they may deem safe and proper.
B. A base fee of $300 will be charged for the issuance of license to encumber a highway involving the movement of a house, garage or other structure through City streets. If costs to the City incident to such movement exceed the base fee, the licensee will be charged the total amount in excess thereof.
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
Nashua Revised Ordinances § 285-9(A) lets the Board of Public Works issue a written license authorizing a private party to obstruct or encumber part of a street, lane, alley, sidewalk, or other public place for building or other lawful purposes, on whatever terms the Board sets. Section 285-9(B) adds a $300 base fee for licenses to encumber a highway for moving a house, garage, or other structure through city streets, plus reimbursement of any city costs above that fee. Licensees must fence and light the obstruction every night under § 285-14 until the work is finished and the street is restored.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing a street or sidewalk without this Board of Public Works license is punishable under the Code's general penalty, § 1-12: a fine up to $1,000, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a dumpster or scaffolding on a Nashua sidewalk?
What does a Nashua right-of-way encroachment license cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle encroachment permits.