Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Alton, NH, but they require a permit. As of September 12, 2023, the Alton Board of Selectmen adopted formal regulations requiring permits for all short-term rentals. Property owners had until April 1, 2024 (extended from the original December 31, 2023 deadline) to obtain permits for existing operations, and all new STRs must be permitted as of January 1, 2024. Failure to comply with permit requirements results in fines as stipulated in the adopted regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Alton, NH

Step 1: Understand Permit Requirements

• All short-term rentals in Alton require a permit from the Building Department
• Permits are mandatory for both new operations and existing STRs as of 2024
• Applications and regulations are available through the Building Department and town website

Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation

• Complete the Short-Term Rental Application (available online and at Building Department)
• Submit building plans that comply with all State of NH and Town of Alton codes
• Provide plot plan with required details (see documentation section below)
• Ensure all property improvements meet zoning and building requirements

Step 3: Submit Application

• Applications can be submitted online through Cloudpermit system
• Alternatively, submit in-person at Building Department office
• Processing time for complete applications is approximately 7-10 business days
• Average processing time for all permits is 2-4 weeks due to high volume

Step 4: Address Any Issues

• The Building Department will contact you if additional information is needed
• Incomplete applications remain on hold until all information is received
• Plan for potential delays in the permit review process

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Applications

1. Short-Term Rental Application - Primary permit application form
2. Building Permit - Required for any construction work
3. Driveway Permit - Required for new or expanded driveways (submitted to Highway Department)
4. Gas Permits - For propane tank burial and gas installations (Fire Department for propane burial, Building Department for other gas work)
5. Certificate of Occupancy - Required after construction completion

Required Documentation

• Plot Plan including:
  • North arrow
  • Property boundaries with dimensions in feet
  • Setback distances to all property lines and bodies of water
  • Names and locations of adjacent roads
  • Existing and proposed driveways
  • Location of utilities (septic, wells, drainage)
  • Proposed structures with dimensions
  • Height in feet
  • Location of wetlands, floodplains, streams
  • Any cemeteries or burial sites

Building and Safety Standards

All construction must comply with:

• State Building Codes: 2017 NFPA 70, 2018 International Building/Residential Codes, and related ICC/NFPA codes
• Local Codes: Town of Alton Zoning Ordinance and Site Plan Review Regulations
• Environmental: NH DES Subsurface, Shoreland, and Wetland Statutes
• Health: Town of Alton Health Regulations

Inspection Requirements

• Minimum 24-hour notice required for inspections
• Final inspection mandatory for every permit issued
• Work completed without inspections may require uncovering or removal
• $50 re-inspection fee for incorrect work or inaccessible areas

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Permit Deadlines

• Existing STRs: Must obtain permit by April 1, 2024
• New STRs: Must obtain permit before operation begins
• Enforcement: Fines for unpermitted STRs begin January 1, 2024

Building Department Authority

The Code Official/Building Inspector is responsible for:

• Interpretation and application of State and Town building laws
• Issuance of STR permits
• Field inspections for all construction phases
• Certificate of Occupancy issuance

Zoning and Land Use Compliance

• STR properties must comply with all zoning requirements
• Setback requirements apply even for structures that don't require permits
• Substantial work requires proper permits and inspections
• Compliance verification prior to Certificate of Occupancy issuance

Environmental and Waterbody Regulations

Properties near water must comply with:

• NH DES regulations for shoreland and wetland areas
• Flood hazard area restrictions (FIRM panels 330001-10B, 15B, 20B, 30B & 35B)
• Setback requirements from water bodies and wetlands
• Required mean high water mark considerations

Contact Information

Primary STR Permitting Authority

Alton Building Department

• Address: 1 Monument Square, Alton, NH 03809
• Phone: (603) 875-2164
• Email: code@alton.nh.gov or kbowden@alton.nh.gov
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Online Portal: Cloudpermit system for permit submission

Key Contacts

• Norma Ditri - Code Official

  • Email: code@alton.nh.gov
  • Office: (603) 875-0107
  • Fax: (603) 651-0732

• Katherine Bowden - Administrative Assistant

  • Email: kbowden@alton.nh.gov
  • Office: (603) 875-2164
  • Fax: (603) 651-0732

Planning Department

• Phone: (603) 875-2162
• Role: Assistance with zoning and planning related STR questions

Highway Department (for Driveway Permits)

• Phone: (603) 875-6808
• Address: 80 Letter S Road
• Role: Reviews driveway and right-of-way permit applications

Fire Department

• Role: Propane tank burial permits and other fire safety-related permits
• Contact: Available through main town phone (603) 875-2161

Source Links

1. Initial STR Permit Notice: www.alton.nh.gov/planning-event/short-term-rental-permits-effective-today
2. Extended Deadline Notice: www.alton.nh.gov/planning-event/deadline-obtain-permit-short-term-rental-properties
3. Building Department Main Page: www.alton.nh.gov/government/building-department
4. Town of Alton Website: www.alton.nh.gov

Important Notes for Investors:

• The STR market in Alton is now fully regulated with formal permit requirements
• Processing times are longer due to high permit volume (2-4 weeks average)
• All construction work must meet current building codes and local regulations
• Online permit submission through Cloudpermit is available but full-size plans still required for new construction
• The town accepts only cash or check for permit fees (no credit/debit cards)
• Properties with wells require water quality testing before Certificate of Occupancy issuance
• Existing STRs that missed the April 1, 2024 deadline may face enforcement action and fines