Local building department guide · Updated 2026-07-30

Derry Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Use this guide to find the official Derry Code Enforcement and Building Department, start a permit application, search permit records, schedule an inspection, and locate the correct zoning or plan review contact.

Start here

Quick actions

Derry’s Code Enforcement / Building Department provides inspection, zoning, building-permit, and code-enforcement services for properties inside the Town of Derry. Derry’s current process is municipal; Rockingham County is geographic context, not a substitute county permitting department.

Derry online building permits

Derry accepts building permit applications online through its permit system. Applicants upload plot plans, plans, and supporting documents and communicate with inspectors through the system. The Town lists permit types including commercial, demolition, new residential, residential additions and renovations, plumbing, electrical, septic, sign, well, and solar applications. Mechanical, gas-piping, and oil-burner permits are handled by Fire Administration rather than the building application.

Inspections and completion approval

An approved and paid permit is required before work begins and before inspections occur. Derry asks for at least 24 hours’ notice; inspections are often scheduled for the next business day, but applicants should plan ahead during busy periods. Keep the permit and any certificate of completion available for the inspector and confirm final approvals before occupying a new or altered space.

Zoning and code enforcement

Use Derry’s planning forms, zoning ordinance, zoning map, Planning Board, and Zoning Board resources to confirm land-use requirements. New residential houses, residential additions containing sleeping rooms, and commercial permits also require a separate plan-review permit application through Derry Fire Prevention. A building permit alone does not establish zoning approval or authorize a use that conflicts with the zoning ordinance.

Official contact information

Derry Code Enforcement / Building is located at Derry Municipal Center, 14 Manning Street, Derry, New Hampshire 03038. The department phone is (603) 432-6148. The official permit login and application link is PermitEyes, linked directly from the Town’s online-permits page.

Permit process

How to Apply for a Derry Building Permit

01

Confirm the project scope

Identify the work, property address, project valuation, and whether plans are required.

02

Prepare your documents

Gather plans, owner and contractor details, site information, and any zoning approvals.

03

Submit and monitor

Submit through the department’s stated process, pay fees, and watch for review comments.

Field work & closeout

Building Inspections & Code Compliance in Derry

Most permitted work must remain accessible for inspection at defined stages. Before scheduling, check your permit record for the required inspection sequence and make sure the site is safe and ready. Final inspections can be especially important for code compliance and a certificate of occupancy.

Helpful preparation

Keep the permit card or approval number available, confirm the property address, and ask the official office about lead times or reinspection fees.

Planning & review

Zoning and Plan Review Requirements

A building permit is not always the only approval your project needs. Zoning guidelines may affect use, setbacks, height, parking, signage, or lot coverage. Residential and commercial building permits can also follow different plan review tracks, so confirm the correct path before investing in a full plan set.

For a project in Derry, start with the official department below and ask which zoning, planning, conservation, or fire review approvals apply to your address.

Keep this handy

Official Contact Information

DepartmentDerry Code Enforcement and Building Department
Phone(603) 432-6148
AddressDerry Municipal Center, 14 Manning Street, Derry, NH 03038
Official websitehttps://www.derrynh.gov/code-enforcement-building
Last verified2026-07-30

Official source pages used for this guide

These links were checked on 2026-07-30. Requirements, fees, office hours, and portal addresses can change; use the official source as the final authority.