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Building Department

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1. Do I need a permit?

Most building, demolition and home projects require a building permit. It is the responsibility of the homeowner and/or contractor to ensure that the proper permits are acquired prior to beginning the work process. All new construction, additions, decks, garages, sheds (over 200 SF), most renovations, and swimming pools require permits. Maintenance work such as replacing siding, or replacing an old deck with a new one exactly the same, does not need a permit. If the job entails enlarging such as adding dormers when replacing a roof, or conversions, such as making a deck into a screen porch these types of projects require permits. Mechanical (HVAC), gas, electrical, plumbing and sign (including temporary signs) require separate permits. Obtaining a building permit application can be done in person at the office, online or by email.

2. Am I allowed to have an accessory apartment in my home? What are the restrictions?

Yes. An accessory apartment is allowed in an owner-occupied single family residence, provided the lot has the minimum lot area or frontage required by the Ordinance. The dwelling unit must not exceed 800 sq. ft. of habitable floor area. If total number of bedrooms exceeds the existing septic system a new design must be put into place. Per Bow Zoning Ordinance all ADU's are subject to $723 impact fee payable prior to Certificate of Occupancy issuance. 

Zoning Ordinance.

3. I want to build an addition. What do I need to do?

You will need to file a completed building permit application along with drawings to describe what you intend to build. A scaled floor plan with all rooms identified showing doors, windows, closets, a foundation plan, elevation drawings and a plot plan to verify the location of the addition with regard to the setback requirements from your property lines. The minimum setbacks from the property line for Residential and Rural Zones are: Front 35 feet; Side & Rear are 20 feet; Business Development, Industrial Zones, Commercial Zones differ.

If you don’t have a plot plan, we can help generate one from the computer mapping system, or Septic design.

You will also need electrical, mechanical (heating and A/C) and plumbing permits as well as an energy code analysis to verify compliance with the State energy code.

4. Do I need to install a new septic system if I wish to add a bedroom to my home?

If the additional bedroom exceeds the total number of bedrooms for which the existing system was designed then a new septic system must be designed for the property. The newly approved system is not required to be installed until such time when the existing system fails.

5. I want to install/build a shed. Do I need a building permit?

Yes, if a shed is over 200 square feet a building permit is required to build or place a shed on a lot. Please file a completed building permit application with a copy of a plot plan showing the location of the shed on the lot. We can generate a small plot plan in our office if you don’t have one.

6. I want to build a garage. What do I have to do?

You need to file a completed building permit application along with a plot plan showing the location of the structure and appropriate drawings of the garage including a floor plan, elevations and a foundation plan all in ¼” to the foot scale. If there is going to be electricity in the garage, an electrical permit is also required.

7. I want to turn my deck into a porch. What do I need?

You will need to file a completed building permit application along with scaled drawings to show the conversion including a floor plan, elevations. You will need to show that the current foundation system is capable of supporting the additional loads or show how the foundation is to be modified to support the additional loads. Any electrical work requires an electrical permit.

8. I want to turn my screened porch into living space. Do I need a permit?

Yes, you will need to file a completed building permit application along with a floor plan with rooms identified and drawings sufficient to show the extent of the work including elevation drawings and energy code compliance. You will also need to file for electrical and mechanical (heating) permits.

9. I want to finish off my basement. Do I need a permit?

Yes, a building permit is required to create finished space in a basement. You will need to file a completed building permit application along with drawings including a floor plan with rooms identified and showing the means of egress, if any bedrooms are being created how the emergency egress/rescue opening(s) requirements are going to be provided, and how the requirements for combustion/ventilation air for the fuel burning appliances is going to be provided and whether there are sufficient windows in the space for ventilation. Electrical, mechanical (heating/ventilation) permits must also be filed along with plumbing permits if applicable. There may be an EC1 Form required (Energy Form). The building inspector would be able to address this with you. Basement requirements

10. What setback requirements do I have to adhere to?

Setback requirements vary and are determined by the zoning district. If you don’t know what zone your property is in, we can help you find that information.

11. What fire rating do I need for the entry doors from the garage to the house? I have seen 20, 45, 60 and 90 minute ratings.

The International Residential Code for 1 and 2 family dwellings states that the opening between the garage and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 1 3/8 inches in thickness, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1 3/8 inches thick, or 20 minute fire-rated doors.

12. What is the maximum height for a porch floor before you need railings? I have been told 24” and 30”.

The code refers to guards not railings. The language of the code is: 36 inches high guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 3 feet horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening shall not be considered a guard.

13. Do I need a permit to replace roof shingles or siding?

No, provided there is no structural work involved. If it is discovered that some portion of the building framing needs to be replaced because of moisture damage then a permit and follow-up inspection would be required. Contact the building department for layer restrictions.

14. What about emergency repairs?

When emergency equipment replacement and/to repair is required, the work can be done on an emergency basis as long as the permit application is submitted to the building inspector the next working business day.

15. When is the project considered complete by the Building Inspector?

A construction project is not complete until the Building Inspector has done a final inspection. You will receive a paper stating either a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Use.

16. Do signs require a Permit?

Yes, see our Sign Information and Permits.

17. What is a CO?

A "CO" is a Certificate of Occupancy, which is applied for and issued when all the required inspections are completed satisfactorily. You must receive a CO before you can legally occupy a residence or an addition. We also issue Certificates of Use, which must be received before using a deck or a pool, or any other structure which has received a Building Permit. A Certificate is also required when there is a change in use of an existing building or land, to a use of a different zoning classification according to the Zoning Ordinance's Table of Use Regulations.

18. What if I am just having my electrical service upgraded?

You still need a Permit, just supply us with the name and license number of the electrician, and a brief description of what is planned.

19. How do I hook up to the municipal sewer system?

You should complete Plumbing application and contact Finance Department for the fee schedule.

20. How long does it take to get a building permit after I apply?

If the application package is complete, you will be notified a few days, but usually not more than 30 days. In some instances the permit can be issued when you apply, if the required information for the permit is complete. In some instances a plan review may be necessary in which the Building Inspector will make a determination if additional information may be needed and you will be given a plan review list of what is needed to obtain your building permit.

21. How much does a building permit cost?

For Residential Projects, the fee is based on the square footage, plus a basic non refundable application fee. Payment is required when the Permit is picked up. Commercial Projects, the fee is based upon square footage or price per $1,000 which ever is greater along with a non refundable permit fee.

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Sign permits are individual permits with each having different costs and a small non refundable application fee.

22. How long is a permit good for?

Building Permits automatically expire if the work has not commenced within one year (1), or if the work has not been completed with a period of two years (2). In order to continue you must write a letter asking for an extension which may result in additional fees.

23. Do you need a permit for a pool?

Pools do require a permit. It is the responsibility of the homeowner and/or contractor to ensure that the proper permits are acquired prior to beginning the work process. Replacing an existing pool with one exactly the same size, does not need a permit, just write us a letter indicating such. If the pool is going to be enlarged or decreased in size or if location changes you will need a permit. Pool Permit Information

24. What is required for installing a swimming pool?

A. Classification of pools: Any constructed pool which is used, or intended to be used, as a swimming pool in connection with a single family residence and available only to the family of the householder and his private guests shall be classified as a private swimming pool.

B. Plans: Plans shall accurately show dimensions and construction of the pool and appurtenances and properly established distances to lot lines, building, walks, fences, leach field, wetlands and well.

C. How long is a permit good for? Pool Permits automatically expire if the work has not commenced within one year (1), or if the pool has not been completed with a period of two years (2). In order to continue you must write a letter asking for an extension which may result in additional fees.

25. (Pool) How do I know when to call for an inspection?

For In ground pools and above ground pool projects, you will receive a checklist with a list of inspections that will be checked off along with a phone number in which you will be required to call to request the inspection that you will be need. We require a 24 hour notice when requesting your inspection(s). When requesting an inspection we need your pool permit number and project address.