Concord Zoning Overview

Concord is the state capital of New Hampshire, located in Merrimack County, with a population of approximately 43,976 (2020 Census). As a city, Concord operates under a city council and city manager form of government. Land use and development are regulated through the city's zoning ordinance, administered by the Concord City Planning Division.

Concord's zoning ordinance divides the city into multiple districts, including several residential zones ranging from single-family (RS) with 12,000 sq ft minimum lots to multi-family (RM) with 8,000 sq ft minimums. The city also includes Residential-Office (RO), Neighborhood Commercial (CN), General Commercial (CG), Downtown Commercial (CD), and Industrial (I) districts.

Key Zoning Districts

Concord's primary residential zoning districts include:

• RS (Single-Family Residential) — Minimum 12,000 sq ft lots with 30 ft front, 10 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• RM (Multi-Family Residential) — Minimum 8,000 sq ft lots with 25 ft front, 10 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 45 ft.
• RO (Residential-Office) — Transitional district allowing residential and compatible office uses.

Commercial districts include:

• CN (Neighborhood Commercial) — Small-scale commercial serving nearby residential areas
• CG (General Commercial) — Broad range of retail, office, and service uses
• CD (Downtown Commercial) — Mixed-use district in Concord's downtown core
• I (Industrial) — Manufacturing, warehousing, and related industrial uses

ADU Regulations (Accessory Dwelling Units)

New Hampshire state law (RSA 674:72-73) requires all municipalities to allow ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) as a matter of right on any property with a single-family dwelling. Concord has adopted ADU provisions in compliance with this state mandate. Key points:

• One ADU is permitted per single-family lot
• The ADU may be attached to or detached from the primary dwelling (subject to local standards)
• Municipalities cannot prohibit ADUs but may adopt reasonable regulations regarding size, parking, and other dimensional standards
• Contact the Concord City Planning Division for the city's specific ADU application requirements and any local dimensional standards

Building Code

Concord follows the NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A), which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). All construction must comply with the state building code.

Development Process

Development in Concord generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review — For commercial, multi-family, and certain other projects, submit a site plan to the Planning Board
3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance or special exception from the Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Concord, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for the applicable district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Review the Concord Code of Ordinances for the full zoning text
• Contact the Concord City Planning Division at (603) 225-8515 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Concord, NH and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Concord City Planning Division or the municipal code before making development decisions.