Bringing YOUR business to Hillsborough...
Where to Start: A Guide to Starting a Business in Hillsborough
To develop a business in the Town of Hillsborough, begin by contacting the Planning Director at 603-464-3877 ext. 227. It is recommended that you make an appointment with the Director to review your project, determine which, if any, permits and approvals are necessary and guide you through application process.
Existing Buildings:
If you are moving into an existing building, you need to contact the Building Department to determine what permits and inspections are required and to apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. The primary contact for the Building Department is 603-464-3877 ext. 223 or e-mail buildingsec@hillsboroughnh.net. We will assist you by answering your questions and making appointments with Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer for inspections.
You may need a change of use or Site Plan Review if the land use is different from the previous occupant of the building. Please also contact the Hillsborough Water/Sewer Department at 603-464-7982 for information about requirements for a new occupant of an existing building with town water and/or sewer service.
New Buildings or Additions:
If you are constructing a new building or an addition, Site plan Review is required. Contact the Planning Director (603-464-3877 ext. 227) for requirements and further information. If your property fronts on a State highway, you will need a driveway permit. Contact the NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) District Engineer for permit requirements.
Following the Site Plan Review process a Building Permit will also be required. Contact the Building Department for permit requirements.
Land Subdivision:
If a Subdivision is required, contact the Planning Director for requirements and further information.
Road/Street Related Requirements:
The Planning Director will direct you to the persons responsible for reviewing and issuing road related permits. The regulation of access to, development of, and use of Town roads is shared by the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Building Inspector, and Public Works Director. State and Federal highways are controlled though the office of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) District Five Engineer. NHDOT permits are issued after a separate, parallel process which may take two or more months to complete.
Floodplain, Wetlands and Surface Waters:
All developments are subject to the Floodplain, Stream and Shoreline Protection, and Waterfront Development ordinances as well as the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). The NHDES regulates activities associated with wetlands, erosion, and sedimentation of surface waters. Activities which are within a wetland or adjacent to a prime wetland, which include onsite disposal of sewage, which disturb at least 100,000 square feet of surface area, or which are within 250' of a pond or fourth order stream may require a permit from the NHDES. Contact the permits bureau for rules, application forms, and requirements. In general, NHDES will not proceed with a permit application until Town permits are conditionally approved. The NHDES review process may take two or more additional months to complete.
The Town of Hillsborough welcomes your business. With good communication and cooperation, we can work together to ensure a fair and expedited process
while retaining the character of our town that makes us such an attractive place to live.