top of page
Redemption Steel logo (trimmed for header).png

Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County, NH Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

New Hampshire

Yes, you will almost certainly need a permit, but a Hillsborough County carport permit is issued by your city or town, not by the county. Nashua is a good example: the city's Building Safety FAQ says a shed of any size needs permits, with a land use permit for sheds under 200 sq ft and both a building permit and a land use permit for anything over 200 sq ft. A typical metal carport or garage is over that size. In Manchester, the Department of Planning and Community Development enforces the city's building code.


Permit office: Hillsborough County does not issue building permits. Each city and town runs its own building office, and these are two to start with.


When a permit is required

  • Nashua: a shed of any size requires permits. Under 200 sq ft it needs only a land use permit, and over 200 sq ft it needs both a building permit and a land use permit.
  • Nashua: sheds over 200 sq ft may also require tie-down specifications, foundation plans or framing plans.
  • Manchester: the city building code ordinance names the Department of Planning and Community Development as the enforcement agency, and its amendments delete several of the model code's standard permit exemptions.
  • Statewide, the NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A, built on the 2021 IRC and IBC with state amendments) exempts a one-story detached accessory building up to 200 sq ft from a building permit. Cities like Nashua still require a land use permit at that size, and zoning always applies.


Zoning and setbacks

Nashua asks for a plot plan that shows the location of the shed or building and its distance to the lot lines, so setbacks are checked as part of the land use permit. If you do not have a plot plan, Nashua says one may be available from the property file at the Department of Building Safety. Setback distances vary by zoning district, so confirm them with the city or town before you pick a spot.


What to bring

  • A completed permit application (Nashua takes permit requests by email at permits@nashuanh.gov or at the department).
  • A plot plan showing where the carport or garage will go and its distance to each lot line.
  • For buildings over 200 sq ft, tie-down specifications and any foundation or framing plans the city asks for.
  • Building size and drawings from your dealer, including anchoring details.


Farm buildings

New Hampshire does not give farm buildings a blanket pass on the building code, so a metal barn or equipment shelter in Hillsborough County still needs the local permits. The state adopted IBC Appendix C for Group U agricultural buildings. RSA 674:32-a allows agriculture where zoning is silent, and RSA 674:32-c lets the local board waive setbacks or dimensional rules that are unreasonable for farm use.


Good to know

Nashua's Building Safety office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the permit desk open until 4:30 p.m. and inspections from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nashua says to call well in advance to schedule an inspection. Manchester's building code ordinance (adopted July 6, 2021) lists a $25 non-refundable application fee, a $30 minimum fee for permits that require inspections, and a surcharge equal to 100 percent of the permit fee for work started without a permit.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Hillsborough County?
Almost always, and it comes from your city or town rather than the county. In Nashua, a structure over 200 sq ft needs both a building permit and a land use permit.


Does a metal garage or shed need a building permit in Nashua?
Over 200 sq ft, yes, along with a land use permit. Under 200 sq ft you still need a land use permit. Bring a plot plan showing distances to the lot lines, and expect to provide tie-down or foundation details for larger buildings.


What happens if I put up a carport in Manchester without a permit?
Manchester's building code ordinance adds a surcharge equal to 100 percent of the permit fee when work starts without a permit. It is cheaper to apply first.


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.


Ready to design your building?

Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.

bottom of page