Goffstown Zoning Overview

Goffstown is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, with a population of approximately 18,577 (2020 Census). Land use and development in Goffstown are regulated through the town's zoning ordinance, administered by the Goffstown Planning Board.

Goffstown's zoning ordinance divides the town into several districts, including two residential zones, a commercial zone, and an industrial zone. The R-1 district requires a minimum lot size of 1 acre, while the R-2 district requires 40,000 square feet.

Key Zoning Districts

Goffstown's primary residential zoning districts include:

• R-1 (Residential) — Minimum 1 acre lots with 40 ft front, 25 ft side, and 25 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-2 (Residential) — Minimum 40,000 sq ft lots with 35 ft front, 20 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.

Other districts include:

• C (Commercial) — Commercial district for 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. Goffstown must comply 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 Goffstown Planning Board for the town's specific ADU application requirements and any local dimensional standards

Building Code

Goffstown 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 Goffstown 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. 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 Goffstown Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Goffstown, 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 Goffstown Planning Board at (603) 497-8990 for pre-application guidance

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