Dover Zoning Overview

Dover is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, with a population of approximately 32,741 (2020 Census). Dover operates under a council-manager form of government. Land use and development are regulated through the city's zoning ordinance, administered by the Dover Planning Department.

Dover's zoning ordinance divides the city into several districts, including three single-family residential zones (R-12, R-20, and R-40) differentiated by minimum lot size, a multi-family residential zone (RM), and commercial, central business, and industrial districts. The residential zones range from the compact R-12 district at 12,000 square feet to the larger R-40 district at 40,000 square feet.

Key Zoning Districts

Dover's primary residential zoning districts include:

• R-12 (Residential 12,000) — Minimum 12,000 sq ft lots with 25 ft front, 10 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-20 (Residential 20,000) — Minimum 20,000 sq ft lots with 30 ft front, 12 ft side, and 25 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-40 (Residential 40,000) — Minimum 40,000 sq ft lots with 35 ft front, 15 ft side, and 30 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• RM (Multi-Family Residential) — Higher-density zone allowing multi-family housing with 25 ft front, 10 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 45 ft.

Non-residential districts include:

• CB (Central Business) — Mixed-use downtown district
• B (Business) — General retail, office, and service uses
• 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. This is a state mandate that Dover must comply with. 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 Dover Planning Department for the city's specific ADU application requirements and any local dimensional standards

Building Code

Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Dover, 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 Dover Code of Ordinances for the full zoning text
• Contact the Dover Planning Department at (603) 516-6008 for pre-application guidance

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