Engineering FAQ

Do I need a permit to for a new well, water service, septic system, sewer service or driveway?
Yes, a permit is required to install or newly construct any of the above. For the wells and septic systems a State of New Hampshire licensed Well Water Contractor for wells and a State of New Hampshire licensed Septic System Installer for septic systems are required to obtain the permit prior to starting the work. For water service, sewer service and driveways the Contractor has to be bonded with the Town of Salem and provide Certificates of Insurance to the Town to obtain the permit prior to starting the work.

Please note that septic system and well permits are no longer coordinated with the Engineering Department; please contact the Health Department for questions relative to septic systems and wells.
Is part of my land considered wetlands and do I need a permit to fill my land?
A State of New Hampshire licensed Wetlands Scientist would have to do an investigation on your property to determine if wetlands are present. If wetlands are present and you would like to fill them a State of New Hampshire Dredge and Fill Permit would have to be obtained prior to the filling.
Does the Town have a Plot Plan for my property?
If you come in to Town Hall we can check your property file to see if the Town has a copy.
Do I need a septic system design to convert my seasonal property to a year round property?
Yes. A State of New Hampshire licensed Septic System Designer would have to design a new septic system and get it approve by the Town and the State.
Is my house in a flood zone and do I need flood insurance?
If you come to Town Hall you can look at the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and make your own determination. We are not allowed by Federal law to interpret the map for you but we can help you in understanding how to read the map. The Lending Institutions are required to make the determination if insurance is needed.
Does the Town have a Septic Plan for my property?
If you come in to Town Hall we can check your property file to see if the Town has a copy. Septic design plans were not required until 1967 so if your home and septic system were built prior to 1967 we will not have a plan and in some cases on homes built after 1967 we may not have a copy.
Does the Town have well water test results for my property?
If you come in to Town Hall we can check your property file to see if the Town has a copy.
Does the Town have information on where the sewer service is on my property?
No, not on your property, if you come in to Town Hall we can check our records to see where the service was left at the street line and can provide information on who the contractor may have been and when the service was installed.
Does the Town have information on where the water service is on my property?
No, not on your property, if you come in to Town Hall we can check our records to see where the service was left at the street line and if it was installed after 1993, who the contractor may have been and when the service was installed. If Town Hall does not have the record for your property you can check with the Utilities Division at Public Works to see if they have a water service tie card for your property.