Bolthole Index

Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

68Index Score / 100
#8 of 10 in New Hampshire

Merrimack County, New Hampshire has no county building department or zoning office; permits and zoning are handled town by town12. Concord requires a building permit, while a one- or two-family home is outside the state permit system in a town without local code enforcement13. Septic approval comes from NHDES4.

At a glance

Building permit
No county permit; Concord requires one, but a one- or two-family home is exempt from the state system in towns without local code enforcement13
Zoning
No countywide zoning; each town sets its own, and Concord has a full zoning ordinance2
Septic
Approved statewide by NHDES, not the county4
RV living
Campgrounds allow temporary stays only; a year-round site must meet the state's single-family septic standard5
Accessory dwelling unit
Allowed where a municipality permits single-family homes, subject to water, septic and local conditions6
Owner-builder exemption
Unconfirmed for Merrimack County; ask your town's building office directly7
Wells
No universal state well-construction permit; the contractor must file a completion record within 90 days8

Who to call

Building permits

City of Concord Code Administration Division

Building, housing and health/licensing permits for the City of Concord, the Merrimack County seat; other towns in the county issue their own permits

603-225-8580

37 Green Street, Concord, NH 03301

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

City of Concord Planning Division

Zoning Ordinance administration, Zoning Board of Adjustment applications, and site plan/subdivision review for the City of Concord

603-225-8515

41 Green Street 3rd Floor, Concord, NH 03301

Online permits →

Septic permits

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Subsurface Systems Bureau

Statewide review and approval of septic (subsurface sewage disposal) system construction and operation, including in Merrimack County

(603) 271-3503

29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302-0095

Also useful

Merrimack County Register of Deeds

Recording and public search of deeds, mortgages, liens, plans and other real-estate documents for Merrimack County

[email protected]

163 North Main St, Suite 103, Concord, NH 03301

Online permits →

Also useful

Merrimack County Administration Office

General county government administration under the Board of Commissioners; a starting point if you can't tell which county office handles something

(603) 796-6800

333 Daniel Webster Highway STE 2, Boscawen, NH 03303

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Merrimack County, New Hampshire?

Merrimack County itself issues no building permits: New Hampshire handles building permits at the municipal, not the county, level1. Concord requires a permit before construction and enforces the state building code1. Elsewhere in the county, a one- or two-family home is outside New Hampshire's state building permit system if the municipality has not adopted local building-code enforcement; where a town has adopted enforcement, its local process applies3. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire-protection permits apply under the state permit system3. For a completed application, the building official generally has 30 days to approve or deny it; nonresidential work and residential applications encompassing more than 10 dwelling units generally have a 60-day decision period9. Ask the town where the parcel lies which permit process applies.

Who issues building permits in Merrimack County, and how do you reach them?

There is no Merrimack County building department1. Inside Concord, the Code Administration Division at 37 Green Street handles building, housing and health or licensing permits and can be reached at 603-225-858010. Concord's zoning administration is in the Planning Division at 41 Green Street, reachable at 603-225-85151011. Outside Concord, start with the municipality where the parcel lies because permits are issued locally1. The state fire marshal's direct permitting, inspections and certificates of occupancy cover buildings owned by New Hampshire, the community college system or the university system, rather than ordinary private homes12. Merrimack County's Administration Office at 333 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen, (603) 796-6800, is a general county contact if you are unsure which local government serves the parcel13.

Does Merrimack County have zoning?

Merrimack County has no countywide zoning ordinance; zoning in New Hampshire is set town by town2. Concord has a zoning ordinance with districts and allowed uses, enforced by the Planning Division211. New Hampshire municipalities with zoning must allow accessory dwelling units in every district that permits single-family homes, provided adequate water and sewage disposal are available; local owner-occupancy, parking, design and other statutory conditions may still apply6. An accessory dwelling unit generally must offer at least 750 square feet of living space and may be capped at 950 square feet unless the municipality authorizes more6. Setbacks, minimum lot sizes and other dimensional rules remain local questions because no countywide schedules were confirmed. Agricultural uses are not automatically free of dimensional, setback, driveway, parking, noise or odor rules; a landowner may seek a limited waiver from the local board after notice and a hearing14.

How do septic permits work in Merrimack County?

Septic systems in Merrimack County are approved by NHDES, not the county4. State law requires prior approval of the disposal plans before constructing a building that will discharge sewage or constructing the disposal system itself15. NHDES may delegate inspection to a qualified municipal official, and locally approved plans must also be submitted where a local board requires them16. A system cannot be covered or operated before final inspection and approval17. A lot smaller than 5 acres generally needs subdivision approval before it can receive individual sewage disposal system approval unless a listed exception applies18. The NHDES application fee is $45019. Only about 3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before assuming a standard field will work20. A building generally must connect when a public sewer is within 100 feet, although a municipality may increase that distance or grant a qualifying waiver21.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Merrimack County?

New Hampshire treats occupancy at a licensed campground or camping park with at least 2 campsites as temporary recreational use, not permanent residency5. A site intended for year-round RV occupancy must meet the state's sewage-disposal construction standard for a single-family home5. Use of an RV on private property for no more than 7 days in a calendar year follows a state statement-of-compliance process filed with the town within 7 days before use5. We could not confirm a countywide rule for longer RV occupancy or tiny homes, so ask the parcel's municipality about zoning and occupancy. A composting or incinerator toilet needs no NHDES approval in a structure without internal plumbing or supplied water, but adding plumbing or supplied water requires an approved disposal system even when the toilet is not connected to it22. A qualifying accessory dwelling unit is allowed where local zoning permits single-family homes, subject to water, sewage and municipal conditions6.

Building a home in Merrimack County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask the parcel's town whether it enforces the building code locally; that determines whether the state-system exclusion for one- or two-family homes applies3.
  2. Check the town's zoning and dimensional rules; Concord applicants use the Planning Division11.
  3. Confirm whether a lot under 5 acres already has the subdivision approval needed for septic review or qualifies for an exception18.
  4. Obtain NHDES approval for the septic design before construction and budget for the $450 application fee1519.
  5. Submit the complete building application to the local official; the general decision period is 30 days, or 60 days for nonresidential work and residential applications covering more than 10 dwelling units9.
  6. Request required building inspections before work is concealed23.
  7. Obtain final septic approval before covering or operating the system17.
  8. Confirm whether the town requires a certificate of occupancy before moving in24.

What to check before you buy land in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Water: no universal state construction permit was confirmed for an ordinary private well, but the contractor must file a completion record within 90 days after completion8. Soils and septic: only about 3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and a lot under 5 acres may also need subdivision approval before septic approval2018. Terrain: roughly 76% of Merrimack County land has a slope of 15% or less, while about 86% is wooded2526. Location: population density is about 168 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 25 miles from the county center in a straight line2728. Taxes: the effective property tax rate is about 2%, and the median annual property tax bill is about $6,6172930. We could not confirm countywide floodplain, driveway or access rules, so ask the parcel's town before closing.

Watch-outs

  • Concord moved all zoning administration, including Zoning Board of Adjustment applications, from the Code Administration Division to the Planning Division effective September 30, 2024; use the Planning Division for any zoning question in the county seat1011.
  • NHDES raised its statewide septic (sewage disposal) permit application fee from $300 to $450 effective July 1, 2025; budget for the current amount, not an older figure you may see elsewhere19.
  • Whether a one- or two-family home in your specific Merrimack County town needs a building permit depends on whether that town has adopted its own building-code enforcement mechanism; we could not confirm this town by town, so ask your town office directly3.
  • Merrimack County's owner-builder exemption status is unconfirmed; do not assume one exists without checking with your town's building office7.
  • For a lot under 5 acres, confirm subdivision status before paying for a septic design because NHDES generally will not consider the system without subdivision approval or a listed exception18.

Sources

  1. City of Concord Code Administration Division (2026 county census)
  2. City of Concord Zoning Code (Title IV) (2026 county census)
  3. Chapter 155-A New Hampshire Building Code (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  4. NHDES Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  5. Chapter 216-I Recreational Campgrounds and Camping Parks (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Section 674:72 Accessory Dwelling Units, quoted and re-checked
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. RSA 482-B:10 Record of Wells; Monitoring Wells (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Chapter 155-A New Hampshire Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  10. City of Concord Code Administration Division (concordnh.gov)
  11. City of Concord Planning Division (concordnh.gov)
  12. Section 155-A:2 State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  13. Merrimack County Administration Office (merrimackcounty.net)
  14. RSA 674:32-c — Other General Provisions (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. RSA 485-A:32 Prior Approval; Permits (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. RSA 485-A:29 Submission and Approval of Plans and Specifications (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. RSA 485-A:29 Submission and Approval of Plans and Specifications (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Part Env-Wq 1000 Subsurface Disposal Systems, quoted and re-checked
  19. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Subsurface Systems Bureau (des.nh.gov)
  20. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  21. RSA 147:8 Toilets; Drains (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Env-Wq 1000 Subdivisions and Individual Sewage Disposal Systems (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Saf-C 8100 State Building Permit System (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Saf-C 8100 State Building Permit System (New Hampshire statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Merrimack County in New Hampshire

68
County map
Merrimack County highlighted among the New Hampshire counties · colored by Index score

How Merrimack County scores

Seclusion42100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency70100% ev.
Admin Boringness4090% ev.
Durability77100% ev.
Property Autonomy78100% ev.
Carry Cost56100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$499kTypical home
2%Property tax
$7,512Land / acre
47.2"Annual rain
5.2% of yrsSevere drought
0.8 / yr (+0.8)Mid-century 100°F days
11.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.04" (+8.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.41×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,376Home insurance / yr
0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.84%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
30,370People within 30 min
5,574,427People within 2 hr
119,917Radius comparison (15 mi)
168.4People / sq mi
1.6%Federal land
75.6%Land at 15% slope or less
3%Septic soil without severe limits
16,861 acWorkable land screen
86.4%Wooded land
73.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
45.8°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Merrimack County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Merrimack County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Zoning in New Hampshire is administered by municipalities, not the county; the county seat of Concord has a full zoning ordinance (Title IV, Article 28) with zoning districts and allowable uses.

    City of Concord Zoning Code (Title IV) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

New Hampshire rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and renovation subject to New Hampshire's state building code, administered through the state building permit system where the municipality has not adopted a local enforcement mechanism, and buildings owned by the State, the community college system, or the university system.

    • The state building permit system excludes one- and two-family dwellings in municipalities without a local building-code enforcement mechanism.
    • Where a municipality has adopted an enforcement mechanism, the permit conforms to the locally adopted process.
    • Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire-protection permits are required in addition to the building permit under the state permit system.
    • For state, community-college-system, and university-system buildings, the permit is obtained from the state fire marshal.
    “Before starting work as described in RSA 155-A:2, I, the person responsible for such construction shall obtain a permit.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Work performed under the scope of building permits issued through the New Hampshire state building permit system.

    • Inspections must be requested by the permit holder.
    • Inspections occur at appropriate times during construction and before work is concealed.
    • If work is noncompliant, correction and re-inspection are required; the permit holder is subject to a re-inspection fee.
    “Required inspections for work performed under the scope of the issued building permits shall be requested by the permit holder and performed by the fire marshal or designee at the appropriate times during the course of construction and prior to concealing any of the work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Buildings owned by New Hampshire, the community college system, or the university system.
      “The state fire marshal shall issue permits, conduct inspections, and issue certificates of occupancy for buildings owned by the state, the community college system of New Hampshire, and the university system.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Buildings and projects administered under the state building permit system, and municipalities that enact a certificate-of-occupancy requirement under the state building code.

    • Under the state permit system, a certificate of occupancy is issued upon completion of work, compliance inspections under state and local codes, and receipt of required documentation.
    • Municipal regulations may require a certificate of occupancy before use or occupancy of a building or structure erected, remodeled, or undergoing a change or expansion of use.
    • The municipality is responsible for implementing and enforcing a locally enacted certificate-of-occupancy requirement.
    • New Hampshire energy-code compliance certification is required before occupancy when the energy code applies; municipalities without certificates of occupancy use the alternate certification process in Puc 1805.01(c).
    “Upon completion of the work, inspections for compliance with state and local codes by the fire marshal or designee and receipt of required documentation, a certificate of occupancy shall be issued.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in New Hampshire municipalities within Merrimack County.

    • Adequate water supply and sewage disposal must be provided.
    • An application for sewage-disposal approval must be submitted before construction where RSA 485-A applies.
    • Municipalities may impose owner-occupancy, parking, aesthetic, and other statutory conditions.

    maximum ADU living space: <= 950 square feet (unless otherwise authorized by the municipality) · minimum ADU living space: >= 750 square feet

    “A municipality that adopts a zoning ordinance pursuant to the authority granted in this chapter shall allow accessory dwelling units in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwellings.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Statewide administration of sewage and waste disposal system approvals in New Hampshire.

    • The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services approves sewage and waste disposal plans.
    • Applicants must also submit locally approved plans where required by local planning boards or other local bodies.
    • DES may delegate inspections to municipal health officers, building inspectors, or other qualified local officials.
    “In all cases involving inspection of sewage or waste disposal systems in cities or towns which employ a full time health officer and/or building inspector, the department may delegate to such officer or inspector the responsibility for inspecting the proposed system as required under paragraph I of this section.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a building from which sewage or other wastes will discharge, or construction of a sewage or waste disposal system, statewide in New Hampshire.

    • Prior DES approval of plans and specifications is required before construction.
    • Locally approved plans must also be submitted where required by the local planning board or other local approving body.
    • A system may not be covered or placed in operation without final inspection and approval by an authorized DES agent.
    • The statute contains exemptions and permit-by-rule provisions elsewhere, including RSA 485-A:33.
    “No person shall construct any building from which sewage or other wastes will discharge or construct a sewage or waste disposal system without prior approval of the plans and specifications of the sewage or waste disposal system by the department.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Construction, operation, and maintenance of subsurface sewage disposal systems statewide in New Hampshire.

    • Final inspection and approval are required before a system is covered or placed in operation.
    • DES may delegate proposed-system inspections to qualified municipal officials.
    • Septic tanks must be inspected for sludge and surface-scum accumulation at a frequency sufficient to permit pumping when the combined thickness reaches one-third or more of tank depth.
    • The quoted operating rule is Env-Wq 1023.01.

    combined sludge and surface scum threshold: >= 1 third of tank depth

    “Septic tanks shall be inspected for accumulation of sludge and surface scum at a frequency sufficient to allow the tank to be pumped by a licensed septage hauler when the combined thickness of the sludge and surface scum equal 1/3 or more of the tank depth.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Composting or incinerator toilets in New Hampshire structures.

    • Department approval is not required where the structure has neither internal plumbing nor supplied water service.
    • If the structure has internal plumbing and water service from a drilled well, internal or external storage tank, or municipal water system, an ISDS with DES operational approval is required even if the toilet is not connected to it.
    • Toilet waste disposal must comply with applicable state rules and local law.
    “Composting toilets and incinerator toilets in structures that do not have internal plumbing and that do not have a supplied water service to the building shall not require approval by the department.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private and other water wells constructed in New Hampshire, including special requirements for open-loop geothermal wells.

    • Within 90 days after completion, the water well contractor must provide the New Hampshire Water Well Board a well completion record containing the specified location, construction, yield, use, and contractor information.
    • Open-loop geothermal wells require a groundwater discharge permit under Env-Wq 402.33 through Env-Wq 402.36.
    • The reviewed sources establish reporting and special-purpose permit requirements; they do not establish a universal construction permit requirement for every ordinary private well.

    well completion record deadline: 90 days after completion

    “An owner of an open loop geothermal well shall obtain a groundwater discharge permit in accordance with Env-Wq 402.33 through Env-Wq 402.36.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings occupied or used for dwelling, office, store, theater, public hall, sleeping apartment, or tourist cabin in New Hampshire.

    • Connection to a public sewer is required if one is within 100 feet.
    • If no public sewer is within 100 feet, wastewater must be conveyed underground or in another non-offensive manner.
    • Cities, towns, and village districts may increase the 100-foot distance by ordinance or regulation.
    • Local municipal health officials may approve privies and may require further DES approval.
    • Municipalities may grant waivers for adequate alternative sewage systems complying with state and local rules and approved for construction by DES after January 1, 1985.

    public sewer connection distance: <= 100 feet (Municipalities may increase the distance by ordinance or regulation.)

    “unless said building shall be provided with suitable drains or sewers for conveying waste water and sewage away from the premises into some public sewer, if there be one within 100 feet thereof, and if not, for conveying it away underground or in some other manner that will not be offensive.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    New, re-established, or expanded agricultural operations and activities subject to local building and site requirements in New Hampshire.

    • Agricultural operations are not categorically exempt from dimensional standards, setbacks, driveway and traffic regulations, parking, noise, odor, vibration, or sign regulations.
    • A waiver may be required where literal application would effectively prohibit an agricultural use allowed by the statute or would otherwise be unreasonable in the agricultural context.
    • The waiver requires due notice and hearing by the board of adjustment, building code board of appeals, or other applicable local board.
    • The waiver must be limited to the extent necessary to reasonably permit the agricultural use or activity.
    • No waiver is required if it would have a demonstrated adverse effect on public health or safety or on the value of adjacent property.
    • The waiver continues only while the property is utilized for the permitted agricultural use or activity.
    • RSA 147 health-and-safety findings and the duties of the Department of Environmental Services under RSA 485 or RSA 485-A, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets, and Food under Title XL, are preserved.
    • The statute does not affect regulation of sludge or septage.

    approval mechanism: waiver after due notice and hearing (only to the extent necessary to reasonably permit the agricultural use or activity) · adverse-effect limitation: demonstrated adverse effect on public health or safety, or on the value of adjacent property (waiver unavailable where this limitation applies)

    “the board of adjustment, building code board of appeals, or other applicable local board, after due notice and hearing, shall grant a waiver”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in New Hampshire municipalities that have authorized planning-board subdivision jurisdiction under RSA 674:35.

    • Municipal authorization by ordinance or resolution is required.
    • The planning board acts under the enactment procedures of RSA 675:6.
    • The municipality may authorize preliminary review and approval or disapproval of subdivision plats and related street and utility plans.
    • The planning board may not limit the number of building permits except through the statutory timing, phased-development, or moratorium mechanisms identified in RSA 674:35, III.
    • The planning board retains authority to deny a subdivision application because it is scattered or premature.

    authorization instrument: ordinance or resolution · enactment procedure: RSA 675:6

    “The planning board of a municipality shall have the authority to regulate the subdivision of land under the enactment procedures of RSA 675:6.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivision-related ISDS approval in Merrimack County.
      “Any lot of less than 5 acres in size that does not have subdivision approval or meet one of the exceptions listed in Env-Wq 1003.11(a) shall not be considered for ISDS approval without meeting the requirements of Env-Wq 1000 for subdivision approval.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    State building permit fees collected by the state fire marshal under the state building permit system.

    • Applies to construction and renovation of buildings and structures, except one- and two-family dwellings, in municipalities that have not adopted a local enforcement mechanism for the state building code, and to buildings and structures owned by the State, the community college system, or the university system.
    • Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection work.
    • New commercial construction building permit fee is $0.30 per gross square foot.
    • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees are calculated by contracted construction cost and are not less than $75.
    • Fire protection system permit fee is $1.00 per device with a $35 minimum.
    • Re-inspection fees are $100 for building and fire protection permits; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical re-inspection fees are 10% of the calculated fee, not less than $100 and not more than $500.
    • Fees for other structures and uses are $1.00 per gross square foot with a $35 minimum; re-inspection fee is $100.

    new commercial building permit fee: 0.3 USD per gross square foot · electrical/plumbing/mechanical minimum permit fee: >= 75 USD · fire protection system permit fee: per 1 USD per device (minimum $35) · building/fire protection re-inspection fee: 100 USD per re-inspection · other structures and uses building permit fee: 1 USD per gross square foot (minimum $35)

    “The building permit fee shall be $.30 per gross square foot;”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction subject to New Hampshire’s state building code and building-permit requirements.

    • Before starting covered construction, the responsible person must obtain a permit.
    • In municipalities with an enforcement mechanism, the permit follows the locally adopted process.
    • The building official must approve or deny a completed application within 30 days; nonresidential applications or residential applications for more than 10 dwelling units must be approved or denied within 60 days.
    • State fire marshal applications must be filed at least 30 days before the intended construction start date when the state building permit system applies.
    • Applications require the prescribed form, property and applicant information, permit type, use and occupancy, work description, square footage, design-professional information, construction documents, and municipal planning or zoning approval when warranted.

    ordinary completed application decision deadline: 30 days (nonresidential applications or residential applications encompassing more than 10 dwelling units: 60 days) · state fire marshal application filing deadline: >= 30 days before intended construction start

    “Upon the submission of a completed application, the building official shall act to approve or deny a building permit within 30 days;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building permit applications in Merrimack County.
      “Upon the submission of a completed application, the building official shall act to approve or deny a building permit within 30 days; provided, however, that nonresidential applications or residential applications encompassing more than 10 dwelling units shall be approved or denied within 60 days.”
  • Campground & park staysTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational vehicles placed at New Hampshire recreational campgrounds or camping parks.

    • The campground or camping park must contain 2 or more campsites occupied or intended for temporary recreational dwelling occupancy.
    • The use is for temporary occupancy only and not permanent year-round residency.
    • A year-round site must meet Env-Wq 1008.04 requirements for a single-family house.
    • Local municipalities retain authority to enforce local zoning and health-and-safety regulations.
    • For occasional commercial or noncommercial RV use on a parcel for no more than 7 days in a calendar year, the landowner or responsible party must file a statement of compliance with the municipal governing body within 7 days before use, and RSA 216-I:4, II still applies.

    minimum campsite area: >= 1000 square feet (Applies to each recreational vehicle or recreational camping cabin campsite.) · occasional parcel use: <= 7 days per calendar year (Statement of compliance required within 7 days before commencement; RSA 216-I:4, II remains applicable.)

    “intended for temporary occupancy for recreational dwelling purposes only, and not for permanent year-round residency”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County building-permit authority for buildings erected on leased land within unincorporated towns or unorganized places.

    • The county must be a county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places.
    • The building must be erected on leased land located within an unincorporated town or unorganized place.
    • The county planning board must require the building permit under RSA 674:41(IV).
    • The county must, by resolution, authorize the planning board to issue building permits under this paragraph.
    • The permit is required regardless of the building's proximity to any street or highway.
    • Separately, RSA 155-A:4(I) requires the person responsible for covered construction to obtain a permit before starting work, and RSA 155-A:4(V) bars issuance of a building or occupancy permit for construction, remodeling, or maintenance that does not comply with applicable zoning ordinances, building codes, or planning-board regulations.
    • The state building code applies statewide, while RSA 155-A:3 describes local enforcement mechanisms as municipal and reserves permit and fee administrative amendments to municipalities.
    “every building which is erected on leased land [...] to have a building permit.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building permits or inspections in Merrimack County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning in Merrimack County municipalities and townships.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Merrimack County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Merrimack County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Merrimack County zoning districts.
8 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Merrimack County, New Hampshire

Is Merrimack County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Merrimack County scores 68/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and 33 operating mines. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use and about 30,370 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Merrimack County, New Hampshire?

Merrimack County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), Subsurface Systems Bureau. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Merrimack County, New Hampshire?

Land in Merrimack County runs about $7,512 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Merrimack County?

Merrimack County gets about 47.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.2% of years.

How remote is Merrimack County?

A representative private-land location has about 30,370 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,574,427 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Merrimack County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Merrimack compares in New Hampshire

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