Permits and Certificates

Authorization required before beginning work or specialized services

Before starting any construction, renovation, landscaping, outdoor work or specialized services (such as commercial snow removal), the Town of Hampstead requires a permit or authorization certificate. This requirement ensures compliance with municipal by laws and safety standards, and helps protect the collective and individual interests of residents.

Important

Incomplete applications delay processing.

Work carried out without a permit may result in stop work orders, notices of noncompliance or penalties under municipal by laws.

Permit and Certificate Requirements

Permits or authorization certificates are required for various projects, including:

Construction permits:

New buildings or additions;
Structural or exterior alterations;
Installation of utilities, plumbing or mechanical systems.

Authorization certificates:

Demolition of a structure;
Relocation or moving of a structure;
Installation or alteration of signage;
Change of use of a building or premises;Occupation or use of the public right-of-way;
Installation of a swimming pool, spa, or artificial pond;
Installation of a fence, hedge, low wall, or retaining wall;
Tree removal or pruning;
Site grading and land development;
Installation of mechanical equipment or storage tanks;
Installation of private antennas;
Installation of geothermal systems or solar panels (photovoltaic or thermal).

Contractor permits (landscaping & snow removal)

All private companies providing landscaping, gardening or snow removal services in Hampstead must hold a valid contractor’s permit issued by the Town. Operating without this permit may result in fines.

Landscaping permits

$134.00 to register his business with the Town of Hampstead and to obtain one sticker for the first vehicle.

$27.00 for each additional vehicle.

Snow removal permits (valid from November 1 - April 30)

$161.00 to register a business with the Town of Hamsptead.

$161.00 for the first vehicle.

$322.00 for each additional vehicle not equipped with a blower.

$81.00 for each additional vehicle equipped with a blower that is used to blow snow onto private properties.

Required documentation

Applications must include all required documents, such as:

Completed application form;
Technical plans and specifications;
Certificate of location;
Professional documents as applicable.

Processing timelines

The Town aims to process applications within the following timeframes:

Minor permits or certificates: up to 14 days when complete;
Major permits or certificates: up to 30 days depending on the project.

Inspections and compliance

Inspections may be carried out during construction to verify compliance with permit conditions. Failure to comply may result in corrective measures or penalties.