BUILDING DEPARTMENT
The Building Department is the first step before you proceed with any type of land development or changes to structures in the Town of Rye. The Building Department consists of the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, the Planning and Zoning Administrator and an Assistant. Building Department permits are required for any construction, including repairs, renovations, additions, remodeling, demolition, siding, roofing, fences, sheds, pools, garages, electrical work, plumbing work, septic, HVAC, mechanical work, or hot water heaters. As of March 2012, a Driveway Permit must be obtained before a permit for a new dwelling can be issued. All development within the Special Flood Hazard Area requires a Flood Plain Development Permit that is issued by the Building Department.
The Department reviews all applications and issues permits for both residential and commercial development, plus Sign, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, and Demolition Permits, as well as Certificates of Occupancy.
Additional permits may be required by other departments. Heating systems, fireplaces and any gas piping also require additional permits from the Fire Department. Permits for driveways are obtained from the Director of Public Works. Demolition permits must also be submitted to the Demolition Committee which documents all buildings in Rye that are being destroyed if larger than 500 square feet and older than fifty years. If the work is to be done in the Wetlands Conservation District, the Conservation Commission must also sign the Demolition Permit.
Permit applications, with all necessary fees, must be applied for in person at the  Building  Department  at  Town  Hall.  Once  the  application  is  submitted, depending upon the complexity of the application, permit review and approvals take ten days.
To schedule required inspections, call (603) 964-9800. Except for emergencies, a minimum of twenty-four hour notice is needed to schedule an inspection.
Visit the Building Department office at the Town Hall between 8AM- 4:30PM, Monday through Friday or go to the Building Department page on the Town Website http://www.town.rye.nh.us for information on permit requirements, applications, fees, building codes, required inspections, and information related to construction in Rye. Under the Rye Zoning Ordinance, the Building Inspector, in addition to the Board of Selectmen, has the authority to initiate enforcement actions if there is a violation of the Ordinance.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YOU NEED A PERMIT FOR YOUR PROJECT, CONSULT WITH THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT BEFORE YOU START ANY WORK.
No permit demolition and building of structure 31 Concord Pt Rye, NH