Department of Building Safety Code Info - Building, Electric, Plumbing, Gas Fittings/Mechanical PDF Print E-mail

Welcome to the home page for the Department of Building Safety for the Town of Newmarket.  Here we will try to provide you with relevant documentation, forms, and other information that you will find useful.

You can schedule an appointment to meet with Dan Vincent, our Building Safety Inspector by calling 603-659-3617 Ext. 1310.

 New hours effective November 3, 2008

Mon – Thurs 7 am – 5:30 pm

Town Hall will be closed on Fridays

*Per vote of Town Council (in an effort to save taxpayer energy costs)

Building Codes

On June 18, 2007, Governor John Lynch signed into law SB 81.  This amended the NH State Building Code to include the 2006 editions of the International Codes as published by the International Code Council.  International Building Code 2006 (IBC), International Residential Code 2006 (IRC), the International Plumbing Code 2006 (IPC), the International Mechanical Code 2006 (IMC), the International Energy Conservation Code 2006 (IECC), and the National Electric Code 2005 (NEC).  

The bill was supported by the New Hampshire Building Officials Association and the New Hampshire Home Builders Association.  Builders and all remodeling contractors will be able to use the same code throughout the state.

Purchase code book at http://www.iccsafe.org

Electrical Codes

The 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) is the current electrical code adopted by the State of New Hampshire as of June 2007.  The code can be purchased through NFiPA NEC at www.nfpa.org, 1-800-344-3555, or for reference at the Durham Public Library.

For technical help on electrical issues or to verify whether an electrician is a Licensed Master Electrician with the State of New Hampshire, contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal in Concord. Their number is 603-271-3748 or fax at 603-271-2257. The State inspector for our area is William P. Bernard.

Permit fee - $45 per unit ($45 single family, $90 duplex, etc.)  Checks or money orders only please.

Plumbing Codes

The 2006 International Plumbing Code was signed into law as of August 17, 2006 as the State-adopted Plumbing Code.  The code can be purchased through ICC at www.iccsafe.org or referenced at the Durham Public Library.

For technical help on plumbing issues or to verify whether a plumber is a Licensed Master Plumber with the State of New Hampshire, contact the State’s Plumber’s Licensing Board at 2 Industrial Park Drive in Concord. Their number is 603-271-3267 or fax at 603-271-6656. 

A licensed NH Master Plumber must apply for a plumbing permit.  The plumber must apply in person and present a copy of their current NH license.  The fee must be paid at the time of the application.  Homeowner permits are permitted, but ALL work must be installed by the homeowner.

Permit fee - $45 per unit ($45 single family, $90 duplex, etc.)  Checks or money orders only please.

Mechanical Code

The 2006 International Mechanical Code has been adopted by New Hampshire as the State Mechanical Code as of June 18th, 2007.

The 2006 IMC is available at www.iccsafe.org or referenced at the Durham Public Library.

Safe – C 8000 Licensing of Fuel Gas Fitters

In accordance with RSA 153:28, effective immediately the Town of Newmarket will begin enforcing the licensing requirements in accordance with the State of New Hampshire Safe-C 8000 regulations for all gas and propane installation. In addition, all fuel gas installations must be in compliance with the International Mechanical Code 2006, (IMC2006) and the following National Fire Protection Agency Codes.

1. NFPA 54 3. NFPA 31 5. NFPA 101

2. NFPA 58 4. NFPA 211 6. NFPA 1

Safe C 8000, Licensing of Fuel Gas Fitters, applies to the following categories;

1. Individuals engaged in the installation of residential and non-residential gas appliances and any other gas utilization equipment using liquefied propane gas or natural gas

2. Individuals engaged in the servicing and repair of residential and non-residential gas appliances and any other gas utilization equipment using liquefied propane gas or natural gas

3. Individuals engaged in the installation, servicing, or removal of gas piping for residential and non-residential gas appliances and any other gas utilization equipment using liquefied propane or natural gas.

4. Individuals engaged in the installation, servicing, or repair of hearth systems using liquefied propane or natural gas

What does this all mean?

All new installation of any of the above now requires a Mechanical Permit prior to the start of any work. Before any permit is issued the individual and or Company performing the work is required to show proof of licensing to the Building Official, in accordance with Safe C 8000. During the job an on-site inspection may be required by the Building Official.  For all underground installations, an inspection prior to burying any gas line is mandatory. The Building Official may ask for proof of licensure upon entrance to the job site.

New home builders for homes utilizing liquefied propane gas or natural gas as a fuel for appliances are required to obtain a Mechanical Permit and provide the Office of Building Safety with contractor information, including license numbers, for all fuel gas fitters performing work, including installers of appliances. This change does not eliminate or change the requirements for the Fire Department to issue a permit to install a furnace or issue a permit to operate a furnace.

Permit fee - $45 per unit ($45 single family, $90 duplex, etc.)  Checks or money orders only please.