Depending on the scope of the project all or some of the following permits will be required.

• Building Permit
  (this permit is not available online)

• Demolition Permit
  (this permit is not available online)

• Electrical Permit
  When submitting an application, please note that all multi-family dwellings, non owner-occupied single family dwellings and commercial projects require a licensed NH Master electrician. In addition, please provide a brief description of the work to be performed as well as an estimate of the cost.

• Heating Permit

• Plumbing Permit
  When submitting an application, please note that all multi-family dwellings, non owner-occupied single family dwellings and commercial projects require a licensed NH plumber.

• Sign Permit

Please note: Permit Applications can be filled out online however they must be printed, signed and submitted to the Planning and Community Development Department by mail along with the appropriate fees. We do not currently accept applications electronically. (Please note, any fees calculated are subject to change upon review of the application.)

Upon review, approval and payment of fees, an approved permit will be mailed. No applications will be processed which do not contain the required information. No work should be commenced prior to receipt of an approved permit.

Once all work has been completed on your project, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 603-669-2256 to setup your inspection. This inspection will be done with the Fire Communications Division if any new fire safety systems were installed with this project. Once all the fire safety systems have passed their inspection, and all other life safety features are inspected the final step will be the issuing of the place of assembly permit for your space or a certificate of inspection if alcohol is going to be served.

Please bring the following to the Fire Prevention Bureau to receive your permit.

• Fee of $100.00 dollars
• Completed POA Data Sheet
• A scaled floor plan with occupant load (if not already submitted).

The Fire Inspector will guide you with this process and answer any questions at the final site inspection.

Unlike other Department permits like “plumbing” and “sprinkler”, the Health Department’s Food Service Permit is issued at the end of the process as it is dependent on permits from the other City Departments(direct the person to the end).

Provide Food Service Permit Application Form.

Permit classification for restaurants is generally determined by seating, but there are some exceptions so please consult with your EHS to determine your classification.

Requests for inspections are the responsibility of the owner or his/her designee.

All inspections required under the permits issued, including those required by other departments (Fire, Health, Highway), must be final or approved with conditions prior to occupancy.

Same day inspections are scheduled by phone between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for the morning inspections, and again from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon inspections. Contractors must speak directly with the inspectors when making these appointments, and should call the Building Regulations and Code Enforcement Division line at: (603) 624-6475

A rough inspection is required prior to closing walls, ceilings or floors for the following:

• Footings/Foundation/Framing/Insulation
  Contact Building Inspector

• Plumbing (in ground and above)
  Contact Plumbing Inspector

• Electrical (in ground and above)
  Contact Electrical Inspector

• Mechanical (heating, ventilating and air conditioning)
  Contact Mechanical Inspector

Final inspections are required prior to a building or space being occupied. These include:

• Building (finishes, means of egress, ADA compliance, fire protection systems)

• Plumbing (fixtures and systems)

• Electrical (fixtures and systems)

• Mechanical (HVAC systems)

• Life Safety/Fire Protection (sprinkler and alarm systems, means of egress)
  Contact Fire Department

• All exterior site improvements depicted on approved plans must be inspected prior to a Certificate of Occupancy

This information is provided to help you prepare for the necessary inspection(s) in starting your restaurant/business. Please contact the Manchester Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at (603) 669-2256 if you have further questions.

Working with your design professional on the space will help you to determine what life safety systems will be required to be installed prior to calling for your final inspection. The City of Manchester enforces the NFPA, 101-2009 Edition, NFPA, 1-2009 Edition and IFC, 2006 Edition (City of Manchester Fire Prevention Code). Please consult the “Place of Assembly” links for specifics if your restaurant will have an occupant load of more then 50 people.

At a minimum the following are required of all occupancy’s:

NFPA 101, 2009 Edition.

• Means of Egress
  Chapter 7.4.1.1-the number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, story, or portion of thereof shall be not less then TWO.

  Chapter 7.9 Emergency Lighting-lighting is required to illuminate the path of egress and provide lighting to the public way. Lighting is required to be arranged to illumination automatically in the event of a failure of power.

  Chapter 7.10 Marking of Means of Egress-all exit doors that obliviously and clearly are identified as exits, shall be marked by an approved internally illumined sign that is readily visible from any direction of exit access.

• Sprinkler System
  If a sprinkler system is required, please consult the Manchester Fire Prevention Bureau Rules and Regulations for Fixed Fire Protection Systems. The sprinkler system must comply with these requirements and NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System", 2010 Edition (NFPA 13).

• Fire Alarm System
  If a fire alarm system is required, please contact the Manchester Fire Department Communications Division Rules and Regulations for Fire Alarms. The fire alarm system must comply with these requirements and NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code", 2010 Edition (NFPA 72).

• Commercial Cooking Operations
  If commercial cooking operations are going to be conducted on site, please consult the Manchester Fire Prevention Bureau Rules and Regulations for Fixed Fire Protection Systems. The commercial cooking operations must comply with these requirements and NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”.

Pre-opening: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Specialist well in advance of the anticipated opening date. The EHS will be able to provide a pre-opening “punch list” to guide the operator and hopefully avoid last minute issues. The Department may allow food to be brought in prior to final approval but only when an inspection and written approval has been granted.

Final: The EHS will conduct a final inspection and when the facility is deemed to meet Health regulations and standards, the applicant may submit their completed Sign-off Form and Food Service Permit Application.

A Business License Application may be obtained anytime throughout the permitting process. An annual license (§110.02) to operate your restaurant will be issued by the Office of the City Clerk upon approval of the following departments:

• Fire Department

• Health Department

• Planning & Community Development Department

• Police Department *If alcohol is served

The Business License fee (§110.20) is calculated by the square footage of the restaurant.

The annual license for a restaurant may also include the following with no additional fees:

• Sunday Activities (§110.05)

• Entertainment Place of Assembly (EPOA) (§111.65)
  *Applicable Police Officer's fee may be required as determined by the Police Department.

Restaurant owners should also consider additional licensing fees and permits that may be required for the following items:

• Alarm Permit (Intrusion/Burglary) (§93.03)
  Alarm Permit Application is presented with fee and terms.

• Amusement Devices (§111.45)
  Amusement fee schedule is presented

• Downtown Sidewalk Encumbrance (outdoor seating) (§97.34)
  Fee is presented

• Noise Permit (§111.75 & §111.76)
  Fee is presented

• A-Frame Sidewalk Sign (§97.34E)
  Sign permit application is presented which includes fee, insurance requirement and additional signoff.

Upon the completion of the Sign-Off Form, the Applicant will bring that form and a completed Food Service Permit Application to the Manchester Health Department with payment.

The Department will issue the permit provided that all other City Departments have signed off.

The Health Department will fax/email the completed Sign-off Form to the Planning and Community Development Department. The applicant will go to the Planning and Community Development Department to obtain their Certificate of Occupancy.

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Building Regulations Division of Planning & Community Development for new construction, substantial renovations, and changes in use of structures. When all final inspections are completed and approved, the Certificate of Occupancy is ready for issue. Please note that prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, any outstanding impact fees due must be paid and all conditions of approvals must be met, including on-site and off-site improvements and any development agreements.

The process and procedures outlined in the above pages apply to the construction of new buildings. The same steps can be applied to major building renovations and alterations. The scope and complexity of a project will dictate the level of plan submittals necessary for review and permitting.

It should be noted that commercial development may result in the need for a business license. The Office of the City Clerk must sign off pending compliance prior to the Certificate of Occupancy issuance. To determine if your business needs a license to operate, contact the Business Licensing and Enforcement Division in the Office of the City Clerk. (603) 624-6455.