Bolthole Index

Strafford County, New Hampshire

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Strafford County, New Hampshire

61Index Score / 100
#9 of 10 in New Hampshire

Covered construction in Strafford County, New Hampshire requires a building permit and must meet the statewide building and fire codes, but Strafford County government does not issue it; the city or town does, under its own enforcement process123. Zoning is also set by each city and town rather than the county4. Septic permits are different again: the state Department of Environmental Services approves septic plans for every address in the county, with local sign-off added where a town requires it5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction; the local process depends on the city or town67
Zoning
No county zoning; each city and town administers its own ordinance under state law48
Septic
Construction and operation approval comes from the state Subsurface Systems Bureau, not the county910
Land records
Recorded at the Strafford County Registry of Deeds in Dover11
Building code
State building and fire codes apply throughout Strafford County12
RV / camping on your land
State campground rules cover temporary recreational stays only, not year-round residency13
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed on any authoritative source; ask the specific town14

Who to call

Also useful

Strafford County Registry of Deeds

Recording deeds and other land-transfer documents for the three cities and ten towns of Strafford County

603-742-1741

259 County Farm Rd, Suite 202, Dover, NH 03820

Online permits →

Septic permits

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Land Resource Management

Construction and operation approval for septic (subsurface sewage disposal) systems statewide, including Strafford County

(603) 271-3503

29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302-0095

Online permits →

Building permits

City of Dover Inspection Services

Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits and inspections for the City of Dover (example only; does not apply to other Strafford County towns)

603-516-6038

269 Mast Road, Dover, NH

Online permits →

Zoning

City of Dover Planning Department

Zoning administration, site plan review and the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the City of Dover (example only; does not apply to other Strafford County towns)

603-516-6008

dover-planning@dover.nh.gov

288 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Strafford County, New Hampshire?

Yes, covered construction in Strafford County requires a building permit before work begins, and all buildings, building components and structures must comply with New Hampshire's statewide building and fire codes612. Strafford County government does not issue that permit: issuing building permits is reserved to the cities and towns that have a local enforcement mechanism, and procedures differ by municipality315. Where a municipality lacks local enforcement, the state permit system applies to covered work but excludes one- and two-family dwellings16. Identify the municipality before planning the project, then ask its building office which application and inspections apply; Dover's Inspection Services division is one municipal example, not the office for other communities17. Whether a certificate of occupancy is required is also a municipal choice18.

Who issues building permits in Dover, and how do you reach them?

Dover's Inspection Services division operates from 269 Mast Road, near the Public Works facility, and can be reached at 603-516-6038, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.17. Permit and license applications can be submitted through Dover's online portal17. A building official must act on a complete ordinary residential application within 30 days, while the deadline is 60 days for nonresidential work or residential projects exceeding 10 dwelling units19. Dover's office serves only Dover; for land elsewhere, start with that municipality because Strafford County has no countywide building-permit office7.

Does Strafford County have zoning?

Strafford County does not administer countywide zoning; zoning is handled by its cities and towns4. Subdivision rules are municipal too: New Hampshire allows an authorized municipal planning board to regulate subdivision plats and related street and utility plans8. The Town of Strafford shows what a town rule looks like: its ordinance makes the entire town an Agricultural-Residential District, requires at least 500 square feet of ground floor area for a single-family dwelling, and its Planning Board administers subdivision regulations for all land in town202122. Do not apply those Town of Strafford rules to Dover or another municipality. For a Dover parcel, the city Planning Department can be reached at 603-516-6008 or dover-planning@dover.nh.gov23; Dover also requires a permit for any development in a mapped special flood hazard area24. Ask the parcel's own municipality about its zoning district, setbacks, allowed uses and subdivision review because no countywide answer was confirmed4.

How do septic permits work in Strafford County?

Septic systems anywhere in Strafford County, in every city and town, need construction approval from the state, not the county: New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services approves the plans, which must be designed and submitted by a permitted New Hampshire septic system designer910. No one may construct a building that discharges sewage, or build a sewage disposal system, without the department's prior approval of the plans and specifications, and local requirements apply as well where a town requires its own prior approval525. A completed system can't be covered or placed in operation until it passes final inspection, which the department must complete within 7 business days of the builder's notice2627. The state fee is $450 per system, due with the plans, and the department must respond within 15 working days of a complete submission2829. An owner who installs a system on land that will be the owner's own domicile may do so by affidavit committing to live there for at least 2 years, but a permitted designer or installer must still certify the work30. Only about 4.8% of Strafford County's soil is free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so budget for a careful site evaluation and possibly an engineered system31. If no public sewer sits within 100 feet of a dwelling, state law requires the wastewater to be conveyed underground or otherwise disposed of in a non-offensive manner32.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Strafford County?

New Hampshire's recreational-campground rules only cover temporary occupancy, not permanent residency: they require a minimum campsite size for RVs at licensed campgrounds and explicitly limit occasional RV use on any other parcel to no more than 7 days per calendar year without a compliance filing to the town13. A year-round RV or tiny-home residence is a different question entirely, governed by whichever town's zoning ordinance covers the parcel, since Strafford County has no zoning of its own4. Ask the specific town's zoning office before you buy if living in an RV or tiny home is part of the plan; Dover's Planning Department is one example of who to call in that town23.

How do you build on land in Strafford County, step by step?

  1. Identify the city or town containing the parcel because zoning and local permit administration are municipal74.
  2. Ask that municipality's planning office about the zoning district, allowed use, dimensional rules and subdivision approval; in the Town of Strafford, the Planning Board administers town subdivision regulations22.
  3. Confirm the correct permit path before starting covered construction, which requires a permit and statewide code compliance612.
  4. If the project needs septic, hire a permitted New Hampshire septic designer and obtain NHDES construction approval before work begins1026.
  5. Check deeds and recorded easements through the Strafford County Registry of Deeds11.
  6. Request required construction inspections before work is concealed, then secure final septic approval and any applicable certificate of occupancy333435.

What should you check before buying land in Strafford County?

The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 29 miles from Strafford County's center, while the county averages 362.6 people per square mile3637. About 86.2% of the land is wooded and 82% has a slope of 15% or less, but those countywide measures do not establish that a particular parcel is buildable3839. Ask the parcel's municipality about permits, zoning and current land-use restrictions before closing74. Check soil suitability before budgeting for septic because only 4.8% of county soil is rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field31. Agricultural operations do not receive a blanket exemption from local dimensional, setback or driveway rules, although a limited waiver process may apply40. Confirm title and recorded easements through the Strafford County Registry of Deeds11.

Watch-outs

  • Do not mistake the lack of a Strafford County permit office for a permit exemption: covered construction requires a permit and statewide building-code compliance612.
  • The Town of Strafford's subdivision regulations are town-specific and should not be applied to parcels in Dover or another Strafford County municipality22.
  • No source found confirms an owner-builder exemption anywhere in Strafford County; ask the specific town's building office directly before assuming one applies14.
  • Septic plans need state approval, but a town can add its own prior-approval requirement, so ask the town before ordering a design25.

Sources

  1. Section 155-A:4 Permit Required, quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 155-A New Hampshire Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  3. Chapter 155-A New Hampshire Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  4. Town of Strafford NH Zoning and Land Use Ordinances (2026 county census)
  5. Chapter 485-A Water Pollution and Waste Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  6. Section 155-A:4 Permit Required, quoted and re-checked
  7. NH RSA Chapter 155-A, New Hampshire Building Code (2026 county census)
  8. RSA 674:35 — Power to Regulate Subdivisions (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. NH Department of Environmental Services - Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  10. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Land Resource Management (des.nh.gov)
  11. Strafford County Registry of Deeds (co.strafford.nh.us)
  12. gc.nh.gov, quoted and re-checked
  13. Chapter 216-I Recreational Campgrounds and Camping Parks (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. RSA 155-A:4 — Permit Required (2026 county census)
  15. Section 155-A:3 Enforcement mechanism, quoted and re-checked
  16. Chapter 155-A New Hampshire Building Code (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. City of Dover Inspection Services (dover.nh.gov)
  18. Section 155-A:3 Enforcement mechanism, quoted and re-checked
  19. RSA 155-A:4 Permit Required (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning and Land Use Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  21. Zoning and Land Use Ordinances, Town of Strafford, quoted and re-checked
  22. Town of Strafford Zoning and Land Use Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  23. City of Dover Planning Department (dover.nh.gov)
  24. Dover Code, Section 170-25 Floodplain Development, quoted and re-checked
  25. Section 485-A:32 Prior Approval; Permits, quoted and re-checked
  26. RSA 485-A:32 Prior Approval; Permits (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Chapter 485-A Water Pollution and Waste Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  28. Section 485-A:30 Fees, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter 485-A Water Pollution and Waste Disposal, quoted and re-checked
  30. Section 485-A:36 System Installer Permit, quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  32. RSA 147:8 Toilets; Drains (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Saf-C 8100 State Building Permit System (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. RSA 485-A:29 Submission and Approval of Plans and Specifications (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Saf-C 8100 State Building Permit System (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  36. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  40. RSA 674:32-c — Other General Provisions (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Strafford County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleStrafford CountyRockingham CountyBelknap CountyMerrimack CountyHillsborough CountyCarroll CountyGrafton County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsNH Dept. of Env. ServicesNHDESNHDESNHDESNH Dept. of Env. ServicesNHDESNH Dept. of Env. Services

County locator

Strafford County in New Hampshire

61
County map
Strafford County highlighted among the New Hampshire counties · colored by Index score

How Strafford County scores

Seclusion25100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness5490% ev.
Durability82100% ev.
Property Autonomy78100% ev.
Carry Cost48100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$519kTypical home
2%Property tax
$10,359Land / acre
47.9"Annual rain
6.5% of yrsSevere drought
0.8 / yr (+0.8)Mid-century 100°F days
11.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.25" (+9.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.39×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,303Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.9%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
177,890People within 30 min
6,318,272People within 2 hr
190,901Radius comparison (15 mi)
362.6People / sq mi
1.7%Federal land
82%Land at 15% slope or less
4.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
10,817 acWorkable land screen
86.2%Wooded land
63.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
46.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Strafford County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet researched: Town of Barrington · Town of Durham · Town of Farmington · Town of Lee · Town of Madbury · Town of Middleton · Town of Milton · Town of New Durham · Rochester · Town of Rollinsford · Somersworth · Town of Strafford

Answers from the rulebook for Strafford County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Strafford County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Zoning is a municipal function under NH RSA 674; cities and towns in Strafford County (e.g., the Town of Strafford) administer their own zoning ordinances rather than the county.

    Town of Strafford NH Zoning and Land Use Ordinances ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

New Hampshire rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and renovation subject to New Hampshire's state building code, administered through the state building permit system where the municipality has not adopted a local enforcement mechanism, and buildings owned by the State, the community college system, or the university system.

    • The state building permit system excludes one- and two-family dwellings in municipalities without a local building-code enforcement mechanism.
    • Where a municipality has adopted an enforcement mechanism, the permit conforms to the locally adopted process.
    • Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire-protection permits are required in addition to the building permit under the state permit system.
    • For state, community-college-system, and university-system buildings, the permit is obtained from the state fire marshal.
    “Before starting work as described in RSA 155-A:2, I, the person responsible for such construction shall obtain a permit.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction work governed by RSA 155-A in Strafford County.
      “the person responsible for such construction shall obtain a permit.”
    • Required — Construction work governed by RSA 155-A in Strafford County.
      “Before starting work as described in RSA 155-A:2, I, the person responsible for such construction shall obtain a permit.”
    • Limited — Building permits and permit issuance in Strafford County municipalities and any county jurisdiction authorized under RSA 155-A:3.
      “To the extent that it does not conflict with any other provision of law, and except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the issuance of permits and the collection of fees pursuant to the state building code is expressly reserved for counties, towns, cities, and village districts where such activities have been authorized in accordance with RSA 155-A:3.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    State building-permit and inspection requirements for owner-builders performing construction or renovation work in New Hampshire.

    • Before starting work described in RSA 155-A:2(I), the person responsible for the construction must obtain a permit.
    • In municipalities that have adopted a building-code enforcement mechanism, the permit conforms to the locally adopted process and must result in compliance with the state building code.
    • The building official has authority to perform inspections as may be necessary to assure compliance with the state building code.
    • The state building-permit system does not apply to construction and renovation of one- and two-family dwellings in municipalities that have not elected to enact a local ordinance or otherwise adopted procedures for enforcing the state building code; local permitting requirements may nevertheless apply where the municipality has adopted such an ordinance or procedure.
    • Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire-protection work in addition to a building permit when applicable under Saf-C 8100.
    • The sources do not create a statewide owner-builder exemption from permits or inspections.
    “Before starting work as described in RSA 155-A:2, I, the person responsible for such construction shall obtain a permit. In municipalities that have adopted an enforcement mechanism pursuant to RSA 155-A:3, the permit under this section shall conform to the locally adopted process. No permit shall be issued that would not result in compliance with the state building code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owner installation of a new waste disposal system for property being developed as the owner's own domicile.
      “shall not be required to obtain an installer's permit as provided in paragraph I”
    • Conditional — A property owner or the owner's agent performing plumbing in the owner's own single-family detached or townhouse residence, including new construction, and performing minor plumbing installations, repairs, or replacements on the owner's property; the statute also separately addresses fuel-gas fitting in an existing primary residence.
      “To a property owner or the property owner's agent who installs, repairs, or replaces plumbing in the property owner's own single-family detached or townhouse residence, including new construction, or any property owner or property owner's agent who makes minor installations, repairs, or replacements to the owner's property.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    All buildings, building components, and structures constructed in New Hampshire, including construction, design, maintenance, use, alteration, renovation, rehabilitation, repair, removal, and demolition.

    • Compliance with both the state building code and state fire code is required.
    • The adopted code consists of the 2024 International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and International Residential Code; the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code; and the 2023 National Electrical Code.
    • The adoption includes amendments reviewed and approved by the state building code review board as of October 10, 2025, ratified by the legislature under RSA 155-A:10, and approved errata or errata-informed amendments.
    • The code in effect when the governing authority receives the required building-permit application remains in effect for the duration of the permitted work.
    • For 6 months after the effective date of a newly adopted code, applicants may elect to comply with either the code in effect immediately before the effective date or the newly adopted code, but may not combine the two codes.
    • The state building code is effective in all municipalities without further local modification, except as permitted by RSA 155-A:3 or another statute.
    • Local enforcement agencies may administer permits, inspections, and enforcement where authorized; local amendments may not be less stringent than the state building code and technical amendments are not permitted.
    • Buildings must also comply with applicable state or local building requirements and land-use restrictions, including subdivision regulations, use and location restrictions, density and dimensional limitations, and historic-district laws or ordinances.
    • Before starting work described in RSA 155-A:2, I, the responsible person must obtain a permit; in municipalities with an enforcement mechanism, the permit must conform to the locally adopted process.
    • For state-owned, community-college-system, or university-system buildings, permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are issued by the state fire marshal.
    • Where the state building code and state fire code conflict, the code creating the greater degree of life safety takes precedence, subject to RSA 155-A:10 review.

    effective date of current statutory amendment: 2026-07-01 00:01 · concurrency period after newly adopted code effective date: 6 months (Applicant may choose either the immediately preceding code or the newly adopted code, but not a combination.)

    “All buildings, building components, and structures constructed in New Hampshire shall comply with the state building code and state fire code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Buildings, building components, and structures constructed, altered, repaired, or demolished in New Hampshire, including Strafford County.
      “All buildings, building components, and structures constructed in New Hampshire shall comply with the state building code and state fire code.”
    • Adopted — Buildings, building components, and structures constructed in New Hampshire, including Strafford County.
      “All buildings, building components, and structures constructed in New Hampshire shall comply with the state building code and state fire code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Work performed under the scope of building permits issued through the New Hampshire state building permit system.

    • Inspections must be requested by the permit holder.
    • Inspections occur at appropriate times during construction and before work is concealed.
    • If work is noncompliant, correction and re-inspection are required; the permit holder is subject to a re-inspection fee.
    “Required inspections for work performed under the scope of the issued building permits shall be requested by the permit holder and performed by the fire marshal or designee at the appropriate times during the course of construction and prior to concealing any of the work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Building inspections performed through local enforcement agencies in Strafford County municipalities.
      “Perform inspections as may be necessary to assure compliance with the state building code;”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Buildings and projects administered under the state building permit system, and municipalities that enact a certificate-of-occupancy requirement under the state building code.

    • Under the state permit system, a certificate of occupancy is issued upon completion of work, compliance inspections under state and local codes, and receipt of required documentation.
    • Municipal regulations may require a certificate of occupancy before use or occupancy of a building or structure erected, remodeled, or undergoing a change or expansion of use.
    • The municipality is responsible for implementing and enforcing a locally enacted certificate-of-occupancy requirement.
    • New Hampshire energy-code compliance certification is required before occupancy when the energy code applies; municipalities without certificates of occupancy use the alternate certification process in Puc 1805.01(c).
    “Upon completion of the work, inspections for compliance with state and local codes by the fire marshal or designee and receipt of required documentation, a certificate of occupancy shall be issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Certificates of occupancy where a Strafford County municipality has enacted a requirement under RSA 155-A.
      “The regulations adopted pursuant to paragraph I may include a requirement for a certificate of occupancy to be issued prior to the use or occupancy of any building or structure that is erected, remodeled, or undergoes a change or expansion of use subsequent to the effective date of such requirement.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    New Hampshire's statutory zoning-district framework, under which a local legislative body may divide a municipality into zoning districts and regulate buildings, structures, and land within those districts.

    • The statute supplies enabling authority and does not publish the actual district maps or district schedules for each municipality.
    • District boundaries, number, shape, area, and regulations are determined locally by the municipality's local legislative body.
    • Regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of building throughout each district, but regulations may differ between districts.
    • Local zoning remains a municipal-government responsibility.
    “The local legislative body may divide the municipality into districts of a number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific

    New Hampshire municipalities and qualifying counties may adopt local zoning regulations governing lot sizes; the statute does not set a single statewide minimum lot size.

    • The actual minimum depends on the locally adopted zoning ordinance and district.
    • The cited statute authorizes local regulation and is not itself a numeric minimum-lot-size rule.
    “For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, or the general welfare of the community, the local legislative body of any city, town, or county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places is authorized to adopt or amend a zoning ordinance under the ordinance enactment procedures of RSA 675:2-5. The zoning ordinance shall be designed to regulate and restrict: [...] Lot sizes, the percentage of a lot that may be occupied, and the size of yards, courts and other open spaces;”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific

    New Hampshire municipalities and qualifying counties may adopt local zoning regulations governing yards and other open spaces that may include setback controls; the exact setback depends on the local ordinance and district.

    • The actual setback distance depends on the locally adopted zoning ordinance and district.
    • The cited statute authorizes local dimensional regulation and is not itself a numeric setback rule.
    “The zoning ordinance shall be designed to regulate and restrict: [...] Lot sizes, the percentage of a lot that may be occupied, and the size of yards, courts and other open spaces;”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific

    New Hampshire municipalities and qualifying counties may adopt local zoning regulations limiting the percentage of a lot that may be occupied; the exact percentage depends on the local ordinance and district.

    • The actual lot-coverage limit depends on the locally adopted zoning ordinance and district.
    • The cited statute is an enabling provision and does not establish a statewide percentage.
    “The zoning ordinance shall be designed to regulate and restrict: [...] Lot sizes, the percentage of a lot that may be occupied, and the size of yards, courts and other open spaces;”
  • Building heightDistrict specific

    New Hampshire municipalities and qualifying counties may adopt local zoning regulations governing building height and number of stories; the exact height depends on the local ordinance and district.

    • The actual building-height limit depends on the locally adopted zoning ordinance and district.
    • The cited statute authorizes local regulation and does not establish a statewide height limit.
    “The zoning ordinance shall be designed to regulate and restrict: (a) The height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures;”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Subsurface sewage and waste-disposal systems in Strafford County.

    • New systems require prior approval by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
    • Local government requirements may also apply where local regulations require prior local approval.
    • The state requirements are minimum requirements and do not eliminate local authority under other statutes.
    “No person shall construct any building from which sewage or other wastes will discharge or construct a sewage or waste disposal system without prior approval of the plans and specifications of the sewage or waste disposal system by the department. Nothing herein shall be construed to modify or lessen the powers conferred upon local authorities by other statutes; provided, however, that in all instances the requirements contained in this chapter shall be considered as minimum.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — Statewide administration of sewage and waste disposal system approvals in New Hampshire.
      “In all cases involving inspection of sewage or waste disposal systems in cities or towns which employ a full time health officer and/or building inspector, the department may delegate to such officer or inspector the responsibility for inspecting the proposed system as required under paragraph I of this section.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a building from which sewage or other wastes will discharge, or construction of a sewage or waste disposal system, statewide in New Hampshire.

    • Prior DES approval of plans and specifications is required before construction.
    • Locally approved plans must also be submitted where required by the local planning board or other local approving body.
    • A system may not be covered or placed in operation without final inspection and approval by an authorized DES agent.
    • The statute contains exemptions and permit-by-rule provisions elsewhere, including RSA 485-A:33.
    “No person shall construct any building from which sewage or other wastes will discharge or construct a sewage or waste disposal system without prior approval of the plans and specifications of the sewage or waste disposal system by the department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of buildings discharging sewage and construction of sewage or waste disposal systems in Strafford County.
      “without prior approval of the plans and specifications”
    • Required — Construction of a building from which sewage or other wastes will discharge, and construction of a sewage or waste-disposal system, in Strafford County.
      “No person shall construct any building from which sewage or other wastes will discharge or construct a sewage or waste disposal system without prior approval of the plans and specifications of the sewage or waste disposal system by the department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    State-regulated subsurface sewage and waste-disposal systems in Strafford County.

    • Systems must be constructed in strict accordance with approved plans.
    • Facilities may not be covered or placed in operation without final inspection and approval by an authorized agent of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
    • Department inspections must be completed within 7 business days after written notification from the builder that the system is ready.
    • Five-acre subdivision-plan exemptions do not relieve a person from obtaining approval for construction of individual or other sewage or waste-disposal systems.

    inspection deadline: 7 business days (after receipt of written notification from the builder that the system is ready for inspection)

    “The constructed sewage or waste disposal systems shall be in strict accordance with approved plans, and the facilities shall not be covered or placed in operation without final inspection and approval by an authorized agent of the department. All inspections by the department shall be accomplished within 7 business days after receipt of written notification from the builder that the system is ready for inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, operation, and maintenance of subsurface sewage disposal systems statewide in New Hampshire.
      “Septic tanks shall be inspected for accumulation of sludge and surface scum at a frequency sufficient to allow the tank to be pumped by a licensed septage hauler when the combined thickness of the sludge and surface scum equal 1/3 or more of the tank depth.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Composting or incinerator toilets in New Hampshire structures.

    • Department approval is not required where the structure has neither internal plumbing nor supplied water service.
    • If the structure has internal plumbing and water service from a drilled well, internal or external storage tank, or municipal water system, an ISDS with DES operational approval is required even if the toilet is not connected to it.
    • Toilet waste disposal must comply with applicable state rules and local law.
    “Composting toilets and incinerator toilets in structures that do not have internal plumbing and that do not have a supplied water service to the building shall not require approval by the department.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private and other water wells constructed in New Hampshire, including special requirements for open-loop geothermal wells.

    • Within 90 days after completion, the water well contractor must provide the New Hampshire Water Well Board a well completion record containing the specified location, construction, yield, use, and contractor information.
    • Open-loop geothermal wells require a groundwater discharge permit under Env-Wq 402.33 through Env-Wq 402.36.
    • The reviewed sources establish reporting and special-purpose permit requirements; they do not establish a universal construction permit requirement for every ordinary private well.

    well completion record deadline: 90 days after completion

    “An owner of an open loop geothermal well shall obtain a groundwater discharge permit in accordance with Env-Wq 402.33 through Env-Wq 402.36.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings occupied or used for dwelling, office, store, theater, public hall, sleeping apartment, or tourist cabin in New Hampshire.

    • Connection to a public sewer is required if one is within 100 feet.
    • If no public sewer is within 100 feet, wastewater must be conveyed underground or in another non-offensive manner.
    • Cities, towns, and village districts may increase the 100-foot distance by ordinance or regulation.
    • Local municipal health officials may approve privies and may require further DES approval.
    • Municipalities may grant waivers for adequate alternative sewage systems complying with state and local rules and approved for construction by DES after January 1, 1985.

    public sewer connection distance: <= 100 feet (Municipalities may increase the distance by ordinance or regulation.)

    “unless said building shall be provided with suitable drains or sewers for conveying waste water and sewage away from the premises into some public sewer, if there be one within 100 feet thereof, and if not, for conveying it away underground or in some other manner that will not be offensive.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    New, re-established, or expanded agricultural operations and activities subject to local building and site requirements in New Hampshire.

    • Agricultural operations are not categorically exempt from dimensional standards, setbacks, driveway and traffic regulations, parking, noise, odor, vibration, or sign regulations.
    • A waiver may be required where literal application would effectively prohibit an agricultural use allowed by the statute or would otherwise be unreasonable in the agricultural context.
    • The waiver requires due notice and hearing by the board of adjustment, building code board of appeals, or other applicable local board.
    • The waiver must be limited to the extent necessary to reasonably permit the agricultural use or activity.
    • No waiver is required if it would have a demonstrated adverse effect on public health or safety or on the value of adjacent property.
    • The waiver continues only while the property is utilized for the permitted agricultural use or activity.
    • RSA 147 health-and-safety findings and the duties of the Department of Environmental Services under RSA 485 or RSA 485-A, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets, and Food under Title XL, are preserved.
    • The statute does not affect regulation of sludge or septage.

    approval mechanism: waiver after due notice and hearing (only to the extent necessary to reasonably permit the agricultural use or activity) · adverse-effect limitation: demonstrated adverse effect on public health or safety, or on the value of adjacent property (waiver unavailable where this limitation applies)

    “the board of adjustment, building code board of appeals, or other applicable local board, after due notice and hearing, shall grant a waiver”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural operations or activities in a New Hampshire zoning district or location where they are not explicitly addressed.
      “In accordance with RSA 672:1, III-d, whenever agricultural operations or activities as defined in RSA 21:34-a are not explicitly addressed with respect to any zoning district or location, such operations or activities shall be deemed to be permitted there, as either a primary or accessory use, so long as conducted in accordance with best management practices guidelines adopted by the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food and with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural operations or activities under RSA 21:34-a that are not explicitly addressed in a local zoning district or location.
      “In accordance with RSA 672:1, III-d, whenever agricultural operations or activities as defined in RSA 21:34-a are not explicitly addressed with respect to any zoning district or location, such operations or activities shall be deemed to be permitted there, as either a primary or accessory use, so long as conducted in accordance with best management practices guidelines adopted by the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food and with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules.”
    • Conditional — Existing agricultural uses and activities established pursuant to RSA 674:32-a, including expansion, alteration, or change to another agricultural use or activity.
      “Any agricultural use or activity which exists pursuant to RSA 674:32-a may without restriction be expanded, altered to meet changing technology or markets, or changed to another agricultural use or activity, as set forth in RSA 21:34-a, so long as any such expansion, alteration, or change complies with all federal and state laws, regulations, and rules, including agricultural best management practices guidelines adopted by the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food; subject, however, to the following limitations:”
    • Available — Normal agricultural operations otherwise subject to the terrain-alteration permitting provisions of RSA 485-A:17.
      “Normal agricultural operations shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in New Hampshire municipalities that have authorized planning-board subdivision jurisdiction under RSA 674:35.

    • Municipal authorization by ordinance or resolution is required.
    • The planning board acts under the enactment procedures of RSA 675:6.
    • The municipality may authorize preliminary review and approval or disapproval of subdivision plats and related street and utility plans.
    • The planning board may not limit the number of building permits except through the statutory timing, phased-development, or moratorium mechanisms identified in RSA 674:35, III.
    • The planning board retains authority to deny a subdivision application because it is scattered or premature.

    authorization instrument: ordinance or resolution · enactment procedure: RSA 675:6

    “The planning board of a municipality shall have the authority to regulate the subdivision of land under the enactment procedures of RSA 675:6.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and individual sewage-disposal review in Strafford County.
      ““Subdivision approval” means written approval of subdivision plans and specifications.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions involving state-regulated sewage or waste-disposal systems in Strafford County.
      “Any person proposing either to subdivide land, except as provided in RSA 485-A:33, or to construct a sewage or waste disposal system, shall submit 2 copies of such locally approved plans as are required by the local planning board or other local body having authority for the approval of any such subdivision of land, which is subject to department approval, and 2 copies of plans and specifications for any sewage or waste disposal systems which will be constructed on any subdivision or lot for approval in accordance with the requirements of the department as provided in this paragraph.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land within New Hampshire municipalities, through locally authorized planning-board regulation under the state statutory framework.
      “The planning board of a municipality shall have the authority to regulate the subdivision of land under the enactment procedures of RSA 675:6.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in New Hampshire where the municipality has authorized its planning board to regulate subdivision under RSA 675:6.
      “A municipality may by ordinance or resolution authorize the planning board to require preliminary review of subdivisions, and to approve or disapprove, in its discretion, plats, and to approve or disapprove plans showing the extent to which and the manner in which streets within subdivisions shall be graded and improved and to which streets water, sewer, and other utility mains, piping, connections, or facilities within subdivisions shall be installed.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Advertisements and operation of short-term rentals subject to New Hampshire meals and rooms taxation.

    • Print, display, publication, distribution, and online advertisements must include the operator's meals and rooms license number.
    • A violation may result in a warning that the operator's license may be revoked, suspended, or denied.
    • The warning must notify the operator of the obligation to obtain a meals and rooms license and pay the meals and rooms tax.
    • Subsequent violations may constitute sufficient cause for revocation, suspension, or denial of the license.
    • The statute does not change or alter the property's use for purposes of compliance with a local zoning ordinance.
    “Any advertisement for a short-term rental [...] shall include the meals and rooms license number of the operator, as defined in RSA 78-A:3.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    State building permit fees collected by the state fire marshal under the state building permit system.

    • Applies to construction and renovation of buildings and structures, except one- and two-family dwellings, in municipalities that have not adopted a local enforcement mechanism for the state building code, and to buildings and structures owned by the State, the community college system, or the university system.
    • Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection work.
    • New commercial construction building permit fee is $0.30 per gross square foot.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees are calculated by contracted construction cost and are not less than $75.
    • Fire protection system permit fee is $1.00 per device with a $35 minimum.
    • Re-inspection fees are $100 for building and fire protection permits; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical re-inspection fees are 10% of the calculated fee, not less than $100 and not more than $500.
    • Fees for other structures and uses are $1.00 per gross square foot with a $35 minimum; re-inspection fee is $100.

    new commercial building permit fee: 0.3 USD per gross square foot · electrical/plumbing/mechanical minimum permit fee: >= 75 USD · fire protection system permit fee: per 1 USD per device (minimum $35) · building/fire protection re-inspection fee: 100 USD per re-inspection · other structures and uses building permit fee: 1 USD per gross square foot (minimum $35)

    “The building permit fee shall be $.30 per gross square foot;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — State Department of Environmental Services fees for subdivision plans and subsurface sewage or waste-disposal systems in Strafford County.
      “Any person submitting plans and specifications for a subdivision of land shall pay to the department a fee of $450 per lot. Said fee shall be for reviewing such plans and specifications and making site inspections. Any person submitting plans and specifications or an application for a permit by rule as provided in RSA 485-A:33, IV for sewage or waste disposal systems shall pay to the department a fee of $450 for each system.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction subject to New Hampshire’s state building code and building-permit requirements.

    • Before starting covered construction, the responsible person must obtain a permit.
    • In municipalities with an enforcement mechanism, the permit follows the locally adopted process.
    • The building official must approve or deny a completed application within 30 days; nonresidential applications or residential applications for more than 10 dwelling units must be approved or denied within 60 days.
    • State fire marshal applications must be filed at least 30 days before the intended construction start date when the state building permit system applies.
    • Applications require the prescribed form, property and applicant information, permit type, use and occupancy, work description, square footage, design-professional information, construction documents, and municipal planning or zoning approval when warranted.

    ordinary completed application decision deadline: 30 days (nonresidential applications or residential applications encompassing more than 10 dwelling units: 60 days) · state fire marshal application filing deadline: >= 30 days before intended construction start

    “Upon the submission of a completed application, the building official shall act to approve or deny a building permit within 30 days;”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Building-permit process in Strafford County under the New Hampshire state building code.
      “the permit under this section shall conform to the locally adopted process.”
    • Published (with conditions) — State review process for subdivision plans and sewage or waste-disposal system plans in Strafford County.
      “Subject to paragraphs II and III, the department shall give notice in writing to the person submitting the plans and specifications for subdivision of land of its approval or of the need for additional information to complete the review of such plans and specifications within 30 days of the date such plans and specifications and the required fees are received and deemed administratively complete by the department and shall give notice in writing to the person submitting plans and specifications for sewage or waste disposal systems of its approval or of the need for additional information to complete the review of such plans and specifications within 15 working days of the date such plans and specifications and the required fees are received and deemed administratively complete by the department.”
    • Partial — State building-code permit administration and enforcement applicable through local authorities in Strafford County.
      “The local legislative body, as defined in RSA 155-A:1, IX, is hereby empowered and authorized to establish a local enforcement agency, as defined in RSA 155-A:1, III, to enforce the state building code adopted under RSA 155-A.”
  • Campground & park staysTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational vehicles placed at New Hampshire recreational campgrounds or camping parks.

    • The campground or camping park must contain 2 or more campsites occupied or intended for temporary recreational dwelling occupancy.
    • The use is for temporary occupancy only and not permanent year-round residency.
    • A year-round site must meet Env-Wq 1008.04 requirements for a single-family house.
    • Local municipalities retain authority to enforce local zoning and health-and-safety regulations.
    • For occasional commercial or noncommercial RV use on a parcel for no more than 7 days in a calendar year, the landowner or responsible party must file a statement of compliance with the municipal governing body within 7 days before use, and RSA 216-I:4, II still applies.

    minimum campsite area: >= 1000 square feet (Applies to each recreational vehicle or recreational camping cabin campsite.) · occasional parcel use: <= 7 days per calendar year (Statement of compliance required within 7 days before commencement; RSA 216-I:4, II remains applicable.)

    “intended for temporary occupancy for recreational dwelling purposes only, and not for permanent year-round residency”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County building-permit authority for buildings erected on leased land within unincorporated towns or unorganized places.

    • The county must be a county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places.
    • The building must be erected on leased land located within an unincorporated town or unorganized place.
    • The county planning board must require the building permit under RSA 674:41(IV).
    • The county must, by resolution, authorize the planning board to issue building permits under this paragraph.
    • The permit is required regardless of the building's proximity to any street or highway.
    • Separately, RSA 155-A:4(I) requires the person responsible for covered construction to obtain a permit before starting work, and RSA 155-A:4(V) bars issuance of a building or occupancy permit for construction, remodeling, or maintenance that does not comply with applicable zoning ordinances, building codes, or planning-board regulations.
    • The state building code applies statewide, while RSA 155-A:3 describes local enforcement mechanisms as municipal and reserves permit and fee administrative amendments to municipalities.
    “every building which is erected on leased land [...] to have a building permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — New Hampshire counties in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places may establish and administer local enforcement mechanisms for the state building code, including building permits and inspections.
      “"County" means the local legislative body of a county in which there are unincorporated towns or unorganized places. [...] The local legislative body, as defined in RSA 155-A:1, IX, is hereby empowered and authorized to establish a local enforcement agency, as defined in RSA 155-A:1, III, to enforce the state building code adopted under RSA 155-A.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    New Hampshire counties in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places may adopt or amend zoning ordinances governing those areas.

    • The authority is exercised by the county local legislative body under RSA 675:2-5 procedures.
    • The ordinance may regulate building height, stories, building and structure size, lot sizes, lot coverage, yards, courts, open spaces, population density, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land.
    • The authority includes innovative land-use controls, including methods described in RSA 674:21.
    • The county may regulate and control development timing under RSA 674:22.
    • Amateur-radio antenna regulations must conform to the stated federal preemption, subject to the statutory exceptions in RSA 424:5, RSA 422-B, or other Title XXXIX provisions.
    • Accessory uses on private land may be regulated; unless specifically proscribed, aircraft takeoffs and landings on private land by the owner or a resident are a valid and permitted accessory use.
    • Home-based care must be allowed by right when applicable department requirements are met, and local ordinances may not differ from RSA 170-E or He-C 4002 requirements.
    • The county may regulate accessory parking but may not require more than one residential parking space per unit; from September 13, 2026, it also may not require that the space be garaged.
    • The county may not restrict dwelling occupancy below 2 occupants per bedroom or adopt/enforce specified relationship, marital-status, occupation, employment-status, or educational-status restrictions.
    • Private covenants are not overridden.
    “For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, or the general welfare of the community, the local legislative body of any city, town, or county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places is authorized to adopt or amend a zoning ordinance under the ordinance enactment procedures of RSA 675:2-5.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — A county in which unincorporated towns or unorganized places are located; authority is exercised by its local legislative body.
      “county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places is authorized to adopt or amend a zoning ordinance”

Inside cities and towns in Strafford County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts in the Town of Strafford, a municipality within Strafford County.

    • The cited ordinance applies to the Town of Strafford, not countywide territory.
    • The ordinance states that the entire area of the Town of Strafford is an Agricultural-Residential District.
    • The cited text notes an amendment dated March 13, 1984; that amendment date is not treated as an effective date.
    “For the purpose of this Ordinance, the entire area of Strafford shall be established as an Agricultural-Residential District. (amended 3-13-1984)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published zoning and land-use materials for the Town of Strafford.
      “Single family, two family, and three family residences including accessory buildings and buildings for agricultural purposes are permitted in this District.”
    • Published — Published zoning districts and zoning materials for the Town of Strafford.
      “For the purpose of this Ordinance, the entire area of Strafford shall be established as an Agricultural-Residential District.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwelling units in the Town of Strafford.

    • This is a Town of Strafford rule and does not establish a countywide requirement.

    minimum ground floor area: >= 500 square feet

    “Every dwelling unit to be used by a single family shall have a minimum ground floor area of five hundred (500) square feet.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land within the Town of Strafford, Strafford County.

    • The regulations apply to all land within the Town of Strafford.
    • They also apply to condominium development and subdivision of convertible land, convertible space, or unit.
    • The Town of Strafford Planning Board administers the regulations.
    “governing the subdivision of land in the Town of Strafford”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in areas of special flood hazard within the City of Dover, Strafford County, including new construction, manufactured homes, substantial improvements, subdivision approval, and site-review approval.

    • All proposed development in an area of special flood hazard requires a permit.
    • Before issuing a building permit, the Department of Planning and Community Development must determine whether the project site is wholly or partly in an area of special flood hazard.
    • If the site is wholly or partly in an area of special flood hazard, compliance with the ordinance is required.
    • Before subdivision approval, the Zoning Administrator must determine whether the property is in an area of special flood hazard and require compliance if so.
    • Before site-review approval, the Zoning Administrator must make the same determination and require compliance if so.
    • Development applications require duplicate plans showing the nature, location, dimensions, elevations, structures, fill, storage of materials, and drainage facilities, plus specified elevation and flood-proofing information where applicable.
    • The Department must review necessary federal and state permits and determine that proposed development does not increase the base-flood elevation more than one foot at any point within the City of Dover.
    • In all areas of special flood hazard, new construction and substantial improvements must satisfy anchoring, flood-resistant materials, flood-damage-minimization, utility, and subdivision standards stated in the ordinance.

    maximum cumulative base-flood-elevation increase: <= 1 foot (at any point within the City of Dover)

    “All proposed DEVELOPMENT in any AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD shall require a permit.”

Set by your town or city, not the county

In New Hampshire, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Strafford County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Driveway access — Driveway-access requirements in Strafford County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Strafford County, New Hampshire

Is Strafford County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Strafford County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 177,890 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Strafford County, New Hampshire?

Strafford County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by NH Department of Environmental Services, Subsurface Systems Bureau. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Strafford County, New Hampshire?

Land in Strafford County runs about $10,359 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Strafford County?

Strafford County gets about 47.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.5% of years.

How remote is Strafford County?

A representative private-land location has about 177,890 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,318,272 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Strafford compares in New Hampshire

Compare side-by-side →See all 10 New Hampshire counties ranked →