Codes Enforced

All buildings, building components, and structures constructed in New Hampshire shall comply with the state building code and state fire code as detailed in state law RSA 155-A. The state codes in effect at the time of a building permit application as required by law shall remain in effect for the duration of the work covered by that permit. The City of Dover may adopt stricter building and fire codes through ordinance.

City of Dover can be viewed in:

Chapter 57, Building Construction
Chapter 61, Building Demolition
Chapter 77, Electrical Standards
Chapter 81, Fire Prevention and Life Safety
Chapter 85, Food Service Establishments
Chapter 93, Housing Standards
Chapter 101, Manufactured Home Parks
Chapter 113, Plumbing

The construction, design, structure, maintenance, and use of all buildings or structures to be erected and the alteration, renovation, rehabilitation, repair, removal, or demolition of all buildings and structures previously erected shall be governed by the provisions of the state building code.

"New Hampshire building code" or "state building code" means the adoption by reference of the International Building Code 2018, the International Existing Building Code 2018, the International Plumbing Code 2018, the International Mechanical Code 2018, the International Energy Conservation Code 2018, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2018, and the International Residential Code 2018, as published by the International Code Council Inc., and the National Electrical Code 2020, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., as reviewed and recommended by the state building code review board, including all amendments to these codes reviewed and approved by the board as of May 12, 2023, and ratified by the legislature in accordance with RSA 155-A:10.

"New Hampshire fire code" or "state fire code" means the state fire code as defined in RSA 153:1 and as amended by rules adopted pursuant to RSA 153:5.

Links to enforced codes

Please check with New Hampshire's State Building Code Review Board for any amendments to the codes listed above. It is responsible for recommending legislation to amend the New Hampshire Building Code. The board aims to provide consistency with the application of laws, rules, or regulations, to avoid undue economic impacts on the public, by considering the cost of such amendments, and to promote public safety best practices.