Hudson Zoning Overview

Hudson is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, with a population of approximately 25,965 (2020 Census). Located along the Merrimack River near the Massachusetts border, Hudson manages land use and development through its zoning ordinance, administered by the Hudson Planning Board.

Hudson's zoning ordinance divides the town into several districts, including two residential zones, two business zones, and an industrial zone. The R-1 district requires 40,000 sq ft minimum lots, while the R-2 (General Residential) district requires 20,000 sq ft.

Key Zoning Districts

Hudson's primary residential zoning districts include:

• R-1 (Residential) — Minimum 40,000 sq ft lots with 35 ft front, 20 ft side, and 25 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-2 (General Residential) — Minimum 20,000 sq ft lots with 30 ft front, 15 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.

Other districts include:

• B (Business) — General business district for retail, office, and service uses
• B-2 (Highway Business) — Highway-oriented commercial district for larger-scale retail and services
• 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. Hudson 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 Hudson Planning Board for the town's specific ADU application requirements and any local dimensional standards

Building Code

Hudson 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 Hudson 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 Hudson Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Hudson, 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 Hudson Planning Board at (603) 886-6000 for pre-application guidance

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