New Hampshire deadlines and holidays

State law gives the town, its boards and applicants fixed amounts of time to act: 30 days to decide a building permit, 65 days for the Planning Board to decide an accepted application, 5 business days to file a board decision. Chiban calls each of these a clock. Use this page to see how long each clock runs, what starts it, how the days are counted and what happens when it runs out.

How a clock works

A clock starts when the event that starts it is recorded, such as the application being received or the board voting. It then appears on the application with its due date and the days left, and it shows as overdue once the date passes. When the step it waits for is done, the clock is met and stops.

Some clocks can be moved. Under Adjust this clock on the application, staff who may extend or waive clocks can record an Extension or a Waiver, with a reason, where the rule allows one. Each clock below says whether it can be extended. A Statutory exception is for a case the law itself excuses, and it needs the legal authority written down. Administrators record those.

A few lengths are set by the town rather than by statute, such as how long a building permit stays valid. These read "unless the town changes it" below, and the town sets them under Settings, Town rule settings. Some notice periods are minimums: a town may give more notice than the law requires, never less.

How the days are counted

Chiban counts days the way RSA 21:35 does.

• The day the clock starts is not counted. The last day is counted.
• A deadline in business days skips Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
• When a filing window, such as the time to appeal, runs forward from an event and its last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it ends on the next business day instead.
• A deadline for the town or a board to act does not move for weekends or holidays.
• A deadline in months ends on the same date that many months later, or on the last day of a shorter month.

Each clock on an application also shows a Counting line.

Building permits

Building permit decision deadline

• How long: 30 days after the application is complete; 60 days when the work is nonresidential; 60 days when there are more than 10 dwelling units.
• Who acts: Town staff.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). It does not move for weekends or holidays.
• If it is missed: RSA 155-A:4 IX states no consequence for a missed deadline. The application shows as overdue.
• Extension: RSA 155-A:4 IX provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 155-A:4 IX

Regional impact comment period

• How long: 30 days after the regional impact notice is mailed.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: The permit may not issue until the comment period ends.
• Extension: RSA 36:57 IV provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 36:57 IV

Building permit exercise-by date

• How long: The town’s building permit validity period, 12 months unless the town changes it, after the permit is issued.
• Who acts: The applicant.
• Counting: Calendar months: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: The permit expires unless renewed.
• Extension: May be extended by renewal.
• Source: Town rule

Planning Board

Planning Board filing deadline before the acceptance meeting

• How long: 21 days before the meeting.
• Who acts: The applicant.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: An application filed after this date cannot be accepted at this meeting (RSA 676:4 I(b)).
• Extension: RSA 676:4 I(b) sets the period; only the board's procedural rules may shorten it.
• Source: RSA 676:4 I(b)

Planning Board completeness determination

• How long: 30 days after the application is received, or the next regular Planning Board meeting that notice can still be given for, whichever comes first.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). It does not move for weekends or holidays.
• If it is missed: RSA 676:4 I(c)(1) states no consequence for a late completeness determination. The application shows as overdue.
• Extension: RSA 676:4 I(c)(1) provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 676:4 I(c)(1)

Planning Board decision deadline

• How long: 65 days after the board accepts the application as complete; 95 days when the board finds regional impact.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). It does not move for weekends or holidays.
• If it is missed: If the board does not act in time, the selectmen certify approval on the application; if they fail to, the superior court may order approval on the applicant's petition (RSA 676:4 I(c)).
• Extension: May be extended with the applicant’s consent.
• Source: RSA 676:4 I(c)(1) and (f)

Planning Board mailed notice

• How long: 10 days before the meeting.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: Mailed notice later than this does not meet RSA 676:4 I(d)(1).
• Extension: RSA 676:4 I(d)(1) sets the minimum notice period.
• Source: RSA 676:4 I(d)(1)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

ZBA hearing deadline

• How long: 45 days after the application is received.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). It does not move for weekends or holidays.
• If it is missed: RSA 676:7 II states no consequence for a late hearing. The application shows as overdue.
• Extension: RSA 676:7 provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 676:7 II

ZBA decision deadline

• How long: 90 days after the application is received.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). It does not move for weekends or holidays.
• If it is missed: RSA 674:33 VIII states no consequence for a late decision. The application shows as overdue.
• Extension: May be extended with the applicant’s consent.
• Source: RSA 674:33 VIII

ZBA mailed notice

• How long: 5 days before the meeting.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: Notice later than this does not meet RSA 676:7 I(a).
• Extension: RSA 676:7 I(a) sets the minimum notice period.
• Source: RSA 676:7 I(a)

ZBA published notice

• How long: 5 days before the meeting.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: Notice later than this does not meet RSA 676:7 I(b).
• Extension: RSA 676:7 I(b) sets the minimum notice period.
• Source: RSA 676:7 I(b)

Variance or special exception exercise deadline

• How long: 24 months after final approval.
• Who acts: The applicant.
• Counting: Calendar months: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: The variance or special exception expires unless exercised within 2 years of final approval or as extended (RSA 674:33 I-a, IV(b)).
• Extension: May be extended by the board for good cause.
• Source: RSA 674:33 I-a(a)

Regional impact

Regional impact certified notice

• How long: 14 days before the meeting.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: Certified notice later than this does not meet RSA 36:57 III.
• Extension: RSA 36:57 III sets the minimum notice period.
• Source: RSA 36:57 III

Board decisions

Minutes and written decision filing deadline

• How long: 5 business days after the board votes.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Business days: the start day is not counted, and Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are skipped (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: If minutes and the written decision are filed later, a party may amend a rehearing motion or court petition within 30 days after actual filing (RSA 677:2, 677:4, 677:15 I).
• Extension: RSA 676:3 II provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 676:3 II

Regional impact minutes and plans transmittal

• How long: 5 business days after the board votes.
• Applies only when the board finds regional impact.
• Who acts: The board.
• Counting: Business days: the start day is not counted, and Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are skipped (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: RSA 36:57 II states no consequence. The transmittal shows as overdue.
• Extension: RSA 36:57 II provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 36:57 II

Appeals

Appeal of an administrative decision to the ZBA

• How long: 30 days after the administrative decision.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: An appeal filed after this date is untimely (RSA 676:5 I).
• Extension: RSA 676:5 I provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 676:5 I

Motion for rehearing of a ZBA decision

• How long: 30 days after the board votes.
• Applies only when the outcome is approved, approved with conditions or denied.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: An appeal filed after this date is untimely (RSA 677:2).
• Extension: RSA 677:2 provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 677:2

Court appeal after a denied ZBA rehearing

• How long: 30 days after the board votes on the rehearing.
• Applies only when the outcome is rehearing denied.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: An appeal filed after this date is untimely (RSA 677:4).
• Extension: RSA 677:4 provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 677:4

Court appeal of a Planning Board decision

• How long: 30 days after the board votes.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: An appeal filed after this date is untimely (RSA 677:15 I).
• Extension: RSA 677:15 I provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 677:15 I

Court appeal of a Planning Board decision after the ZBA component

• How long: 30 days after the board votes on the rehearing.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: An appeal filed after this date is untimely (RSA 677:15 I-a).
• Extension: RSA 677:15 I-a provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 677:15 I-a

Amendment window after a late filing

• How long: 30 days after the decision is filed.
• Applies only when the decision was filed late.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: An amended rehearing motion or court petition filed after this date is untimely (RSA 677:2, 677:4, 677:15 I).
• Extension: RSA 677:2, 677:4, 677:15 I provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 677:2, 677:4, 677:15 I

Local permits and registrations

Registration expiration

• How long: The town’s registration validity period, 12 months unless the town changes it, after the permit is issued.
• Who acts: The applicant.
• Counting: Calendar months: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: The registration expires unless renewed.
• Extension: May be extended by renewal.
• Source: Town rule

Temporary structure removal date

• How long: The town’s temporary structure validity period, 180 days unless the town changes it, after the permit is issued.
• Who acts: The applicant.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I).
• If it is missed: The temporary structure must be removed by this date.
• Extension: May be extended by renewal.
• Source: Town rule

Enforcement

Answer to a cease and desist order

• How long: 20 days after the order is served.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: If no answer is served, the enforcement official may move the district court to enforce the order.
• Extension: The statute provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 676:17-a V

Answer to a cease and desist order

• How long: 20 days after the order is served.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: If no answer is served, the enforcement official may move the district court to enforce the order.
• Extension: The statute provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 155-A:8-b V

Appeal of a district court enforcement judgment

• How long: 15 days after the court enters judgment.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: A party aggrieved by the judgment may appeal to the superior court within 15 days after it is rendered.
• Extension: The statute provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 676:17-a X

Appeal of a district court enforcement judgment

• How long: 15 days after the court enters judgment.
• Who acts: Someone outside the town office.
• Counting: Calendar days: the start day is not counted and the last day is (RSA 21:35 I). A last day that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: A party aggrieved by the judgment may appeal to the superior court within 15 days after it is rendered.
• Extension: The statute provides no extension.
• Source: RSA 155-A:8-b X

Right-to-Know requests

First response to a Right-to-Know request

• How long: 5 business days after the request is received.
• Who acts: Town staff.
• Counting: Business days: the start day is not counted, and Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are skipped (RSA 21:35 II).
• If it is missed: RSA 91-A:4 IV(b) requires the record, a denial, or a written statement of the time reasonably needed within 5 business days. The request shows as overdue.
• Extension: A written statement of the time reasonably necessary is itself a lawful response.
• Source: RSA 91-A:4 IV(b)

Time the town stated it needs for a Right-to-Know request

• How long: The date the town gave in its written statement.
• Who acts: Town staff.
• If it is missed: The time the town stated has passed without a decision.
• Extension: A written statement of the time reasonably necessary is itself a lawful response.
• Source: RSA 91-A:4 IV(b)

Legal holidays

Chiban treats the legal holidays in RSA 288:1 as days the office is closed. A holiday that falls on a Sunday is observed on the Monday after it (RSA 288:2). A holiday that falls on a Saturday is not moved. Biennial election day is a holiday in even-numbered years only.

No other day counts as closed. A day the town office shuts for any other reason, such as a storm, still counts toward every deadline.

Date	Holiday	Source
Thursday, January 1, 2026	New Year's Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, January 19, 2026	Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, February 16, 2026	Washington's Birthday	RSA 288:1
Monday, May 25, 2026	Memorial Day	RSA 288:1
Saturday, July 4, 2026	Independence Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, September 7, 2026	Labor Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, October 12, 2026	Columbus Day	RSA 288:1
Tuesday, November 3, 2026	Biennial election day	RSA 288:1
Wednesday, November 11, 2026	Veterans Day	RSA 288:1
Thursday, November 26, 2026	Thanksgiving Day	RSA 288:1
Friday, December 25, 2026	Christmas Day	RSA 288:1
Friday, January 1, 2027	New Year's Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, January 18, 2027	Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, February 15, 2027	Washington's Birthday	RSA 288:1
Monday, May 31, 2027	Memorial Day	RSA 288:1
Sunday, July 4, 2027	Independence Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, July 5, 2027	Independence Day (observed)	RSA 288:2
Monday, September 6, 2027	Labor Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, October 11, 2027	Columbus Day	RSA 288:1
Thursday, November 11, 2027	Veterans Day	RSA 288:1
Thursday, November 25, 2027	Thanksgiving Day	RSA 288:1
Saturday, December 25, 2027	Christmas Day	RSA 288:1
Saturday, January 1, 2028	New Year's Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, January 17, 2028	Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, February 21, 2028	Washington's Birthday	RSA 288:1
Monday, May 29, 2028	Memorial Day	RSA 288:1
Tuesday, July 4, 2028	Independence Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, September 4, 2028	Labor Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, October 9, 2028	Columbus Day	RSA 288:1
Tuesday, November 7, 2028	Biennial election day	RSA 288:1
Saturday, November 11, 2028	Veterans Day	RSA 288:1
Thursday, November 23, 2028	Thanksgiving Day	RSA 288:1
Monday, December 25, 2028	Christmas Day	RSA 288:1

Other rules the pack applies

Not every rule is a clock. These rules check that something was recorded, block a step until it is done, or set a value the town chooses.

Area	Rule	Source
Building permits	State building code edition record	RSA 155-A:2
Building permits	Code edition recorded before issuance	RSA 155-A:2
Building permits	Regional impact determination and comment period	RSA 36:57 IV
Building permits	Building permit validity period	Town rule
Building code	Local amendments to technical requirements of the state building code	RSA 155-A:3
Planning Board	Abutter list drawn no more than 5 days before filing	RSA 676:4 I(b)
Planning Board	Notice to NH DES within 500 feet of a lake, pond, river or stream	RSA 676:4 I(d)(2)
Regional impact	Regional impact determination recorded	RSA 36:57 I
Board decisions	Written board decision	RSA 676:3 I
Notices	Planning Board mailed notice to the parties	RSA 676:4 I(d)(1)
Notices	Planning Board notice to NH DES	RSA 676:4 I(d)(2)
Notices	Planning Board public notice	RSA 676:4 I(d)(1)
Notices	ZBA mailed notice to the parties	RSA 676:7 I(a)
Notices	ZBA published notice	RSA 676:7 I(b)
Notices	Regional impact certified notice	RSA 36:57 III
Appeals	Suspended by appeal (RSA 676:6)	RSA 676:6
Local permits and registrations	Registration validity period	Town rule
Local permits and registrations	Temporary structure validity period	Town rule
Enforcement	Cease and desist order for a land use violation	RSA 676:17-a
Enforcement	Cease and desist order for a building code violation	RSA 155-A:8-b
Enforcement	Civil penalty for a land use violation	RSA 676:17 I
Enforcement	Civil penalty for a building code violation	RSA 155-A:8-a
Enforcement	Enforcement stayed by appeal (RSA 676:6)	RSA 676:6
Right-to-Know requests	Statement of the exemption and its explanation for a denied request	RSA 91-A:4 IV(c)