Exeter Zoning Overview

Exeter is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, with a population of approximately 16,035 (2020 Census). As a New Hampshire town, Exeter operates under a board of selectmen form of government. Land use and development are regulated through the town's zoning ordinance, administered by the Exeter Planning Department.

Exeter's zoning ordinance divides the town into several districts, including two primary residential zones, multiple commercial districts, an industrial zone, and a waterfront commercial district. The R-1 (Single-Family Residential) district requires 30,000 sq ft minimum lots, while the R-2 (General Residential) district allows smaller 20,000 sq ft lots and a broader range of housing types.

Key Zoning Districts

Exeter's primary residential zoning districts include:

• R-1 (Single-Family Residential) — Minimum 30,000 sq ft lots with 30 ft front, 15 ft side, and 25 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-2 (General Residential) — Minimum 20,000 sq ft lots with 25 ft front, 10 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.

Commercial and other districts include:

• C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) — Small-scale commercial serving nearby residential areas
• C-2 (Highway Commercial) — Auto-oriented commercial along major roadways
• I (Industrial) — Manufacturing, warehousing, and related industrial uses
• WC (Waterfront Commercial) — Commercial uses along the Exeter River waterfront

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 Exeter 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 Exeter Planning Department for the town's specific ADU application requirements and any local dimensional standards

Building Code

Exeter 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 Exeter generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the town'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. Planning Board Review — For subdivisions, site plans, and certain other projects, submit an application to the Exeter 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 Exeter Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Exeter, 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
• Contact the Exeter Planning Department at (603) 773-6116 for pre-application guidance

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