Dover Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Dover’s Inspection Services Division is the City office for building permits, construction inspections, permit records, and code-related approvals. Dover’s Planning and Community Development process also connects zoning, site review, inspections, and certificates of occupancy. The City’s local authority applies to property in Dover, not to every property in Strafford County.

Dover permits and online portal

Use the City of Dover Permit Portal to apply for permits and licenses, upload plans, pay fees, receive status notifications, view staff comments, and request inspections. Dover’s FAQ explains that building permits are generally required for construction, enlargement, alteration, relocation, demolition, regulated equipment, and certain changes of occupancy or use.

Inspections and certificate of occupancy

The City’s published permit workflow runs from a complete application and plan review through construction inspections and ultimately a certificate of occupancy, completion, or business license when applicable. Typical building inspections include foundation, rough-in, insulation, fire-stopping, and final inspection, although the required sequence depends on the project. Dover suggests at least two business days’ notice for an inspection.

Zoning and plan review

Dover’s planning documents include site-plan, subdivision, conditional-use, zoning-verification, and Zoning Board of Adjustment applications. Check the zoning district and planning prerequisites before filing a building permit. For current permit records, use the Permit Portal or contact Inspection Services; the City cautions that not every historical record is available online.

Official contact information

Dover Inspection Services is at 269 Mast Road, Dover, New Hampshire 03820 and lists (603) 516-6038. The City’s official Permit Portal is used for applications, permit records, and inspection requests.