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Coos County

Coos County, NH Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

New Hampshire

If you are wondering whether you need a Coos County carport permit, the answer comes from your city or town, not the county, and in the towns we checked the answer is usually yes. Gorham's Building & Code Enforcement page says a prefab shed or similar structure needs a permit even when it is delivered rather than built on site, and even when it is called temporary or sits without a foundation. That covers most metal carports and garages. In Berlin, building inspection and zoning both run through the city's Code Enforcement office, so start there with your plans.


Permit office: Coos County does not issue building permits. These local offices handle building and zoning permits for their own communities, so contact the one where your property sits.


When a permit is required

  • Gorham: you must get a building permit before starting construction, renovation or other regulated work, and the permit has to be posted on site before work begins.
  • Gorham: prefab sheds, gazebos and similar structures need a permit even when delivered, and so do structures called "temporary" or set without a foundation.
  • Gorham: a separate Zoning Permit Application is required before new construction or exterior additions, among other activities.
  • Berlin: building permits and land use applications go through the city's Code Enforcement office, which handles both building inspection and zoning.
  • Statewide, the New Hampshire State Building Code (RSA 155-A, based on the 2021 IRC and IBC with state amendments) exempts a one-story detached accessory building of 200 sq ft or less from a building permit, but a town can be stricter, as Gorham is, and zoning rules still apply.


Zoning and setbacks

Setbacks are set by each town's zoning ordinance. Gorham's Zoning Permit Application asks for a sketch, or a survey if you have one, showing the size of existing and proposed structures, drives and parking, and all setbacks from property lines. It also asks you to show wet areas, brooks and riverbanks, and the town may require a survey to confirm you meet setbacks. In Berlin, zoning is handled by the same Code Enforcement office that issues building permits.


What to bring

  • A sketch or survey showing your lot lines, the carport or garage location and its distance to each property line.
  • Dimensions of existing and proposed structures, driveways and parking areas.
  • Any wet areas, brooks or riverbanks on or next to the lot (Gorham asks for these on the zoning application).
  • The completed building permit application, plus a zoning permit application where the town requires one.
  • Basic building details from your dealer, such as size, frame and anchoring information, in case the inspector asks for them.


Farm buildings

New Hampshire has no blanket building code exemption for farm buildings, so a metal barn or equipment cover in Coos County should go through the same local permit process. The state did adopt IBC Appendix C for Group U agricultural buildings. Under RSA 674:32-a, agriculture is allowed where a town's zoning is silent, and under RSA 674:32-c a local board can waive setback or dimensional rules that are unreasonable for farm use. Ask the town before you build.


Good to know

Gorham says permits are usually ready in 7 to 10 business days, though state law allows up to 30 days for review. Gorham permits expire after one year, and residential permits can be renewed twice at no charge. Gorham also takes applications through an online permit system linked from its building page, and lists a Shoreland Permit Application among its forms. Gorham's office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Berlin's Code Enforcement office is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Coos County?
Usually yes, and it comes from your town or city, not Coos County. Gorham requires a building permit before construction and says prefab, delivered and "temporary" structures still need one. Check with your local office before your carport is delivered.


Does a metal garage or shed need a building permit in Gorham?
Yes. Gorham says prefab sheds and similar structures need a permit even when delivered, and even without a foundation. A zoning permit is also required for new construction, with a sketch showing setbacks from property lines.


How long does a permit take in Gorham?
Gorham says permits are typically ready in 7 to 10 business days, and state law allows up to 30 days for review. Permits expire after one year, and residential permits can be renewed twice at no charge.


Sources


Rules and fees change. Call the office to confirm before you order.


See the full New Hampshire permit guide for statewide rules, farm exemptions and wind and snow ratings.


Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.


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