Permitting, Inspections and Plans Review

The foundation of our prevention and safety program is built upon permitting, inspections and code enforcement. These functions allow us to take an active role in ensuring that the buildings in our community are designed, built and maintained to the minimum acceptable level of safety. We work closely with the Community Development Department to monitor all phases of construction and renovation projects within the Town to ensure compliance with NH State Law and applicable codes and standards. 

Permitting

An installation or operation permit obtained from the Milford Fire Department is required for the following:

• Installation of fuel fired heating and cooling equipment such as:
  • Natural Gas or Propane-fired furnaces and boilers
  • Woodstoves and pellet stoves
  • Natural Gas or Propane-fired hot water heaters
  • Fireplaces
• Installation of fuel fired standby generators
• Installation of Propane or Natural Gas piping systems
• Installation of above-ground or underground tanks for:
  • Heating oil
  • Motor vehicle fuel dispensing
  • Propane or Natural Gas
• Installation of fire detection and suppression systems, such as:
  • Automatic fire sprinkler systems
  • Standpipe systems
  • Fire detection and alarm systems*
  • Alternative fire suppression systems
  • Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems
  • Fire pumps
• Installation of tents and temporary membrane or air supported structures larger than 400 square feet 
• Special Events**
• Operation of a place of assembly, as defined and regulated by NH RSA 155

* An annual alarm system user permit is required by Town of Milford Ordinance in addition to the required installation permit for fire alarm systems.

** The Town of Milford requires a permit for any special event. In an effort to provide more efficient service to the community and those that host large events, the Milford Police, Fire, and Building departments have complied a list of requirements for Special Events. The information and permitting packet is available here.

Inspections

Inspections provide an opportunity to evaluate compliance with laws, codes, and standards pertaining to fire and life safety as well as educate residents, building owners and business owners in avoiding unsafe building conditions. Inspections may be initiated as a requirement of issuing a permit, when required at a specific interval by law, when required for licensing requirements, when complaints are received, or upon request of a building owner or occupant. Milford Fire Department routinely performs the following Inspections:

What to expect during an inspection:

At the beginning of the inspection, the fire department member performing the inspection will introduce themselves, confirm they are at the correct location, inform the contact of the type and purpose of the inspection, and verify contact information. They will then inspect all areas and items that pertain to the type of inspection, which, for many inspections, could include the entire interior and exterior of the building. If code violations are observed, they will be documented and communicated to the building representative accompanying them. Once the inspection is completed, an inspection report listing any violations and corrective actions necessary will be provided. When violations are found that are not corrected immediately during the inspection, a follow-up inspection is typically scheduled to verify that violations have been corrected.

During inspections of fire protection systems and equipment, the inspector will verify if the system has been installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the codes and standards. Milford Fire Department does NOT perform maintenance or the required periodic inspections of these systems. Building owners will need to contact properly trained fire protection systems installers or maintenance providers for those services.

Inspections can be scheduled by calling 603-249-0680 between 8:00 and 4:30 Monday through Friday, or submitting an inspection request online. Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Plans Review

When a new building is constructed, or modifications are made to an existing building, a building permit must be obtained from Community Development. Prior to the permit being issued, Community Development and Milford Fire Department will review plans and specification documents to ensure that the designs are compliant with applicable laws, codes and standards. A thorough review of the project at the very beginning helps to avoid costly changes and significant time delays that could occur later in the construction process if the designs are found to be non-compliant. 

The Milford Fire Department has created a guidance document that details what information is required as part of a plans review submittal. An application form is also required to be submitted with plans. The "MFD Project Review Requirements" document and "MFD Plan Review Application" are available on the "Forms and Permits" page.

Plans and documents may be submitted in electronic or physical form, but electronic .PDF documents are preferred. For questions about the plans review and submittal process, contact the fire prevention office at 603-249-0680 x420