In Andover, there are three primary reasons behind the requirement to apply for a building permit:

• to ensure that the proposed project complies with the Town of Andover Zoning Ordinance

• to ensure that the assessors are aware of the potential change in property value caused by the construction activity

• to maintain an accurate record of all taxable events in the property inventory file

If you are considering any type of construction, chances are it will require that a building permit be issued before starting construction. New construction, additions, structural changes, decks, garden sheds, garages, temporary buildings, generators, swimming pools, and all other types of new construction, including alterations or modifications of existing structures, require a building permit. Removal of existing buildings and structures (including temporary buildings) also requires a permit.

Several types of construction are excluded from the building permit requirement, including fences, stonewalls, flagpoles, and playground equipment. Also excluded from the building permit requirement is repair and replacement of roofing, siding, windows, and doors when the repair or replacement is “in-kind.” If you replace an asphalt shingle roof with a like asphalt shingle roof, then no permit is required. If you replace an asphalt shingle roof with a metal roof, then a permit is required.

The Town of Andover Board of Selectmen have revised the application, the application process, the types of permits issued, and the fees for obtaining a building permit (which have been reduced). The Board of Selectmen and the Andover Planning Board have worked together to update the process, the policies, and the procedures for issuing building permits.

State law also requires that a building permit be issued before the start of any construction or demolition. The law also requires that construction conforms to the International Building Code. The State of New Hampshire places the responsibility to conform to International Building Code and other state statutes on the contractor or the property owner if the owner is doing the work themselves.

The property owner is also responsible for compliance with:

• shoreline protection (State of New Hampshire, Department of Environmental Services)

• septic system requirements (State of New Hampshire, Department of Environmental Services)

• all other State building requirements and/or agency administrative rules and wetland and floodplain requirements

Property owners who have started and/or completed a project without a building permit can obtain an “After the Fact” permit. The permit and process is the same as a standard building permit, with the exception of cost, which is twice the standard fee.

Starting immediately, the Town of Andover is enforcing the building permit requirement. If you have a project started or completed and did not obtain a building permit, please do so right away.