Londonderry Zoning Overview

Londonderry is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, with a population of approximately 26,456 (2020 Census). Located in southern New Hampshire near Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Londonderry manages land use and development through its zoning ordinance, administered by the Londonderry Planning Department.

Londonderry's zoning ordinance divides the town into several districts, including the AR-1 (Agricultural-Residential) district requiring 2-acre minimum lots, a residential zone (R-III) with 12,000 sq ft minimums, three commercial zones, and an industrial zone.

Key Zoning Districts

Londonderry's primary residential zoning districts include:

• AR-1 (Agricultural-Residential) — Minimum 2 acre lots with 50 ft front, 30 ft side, and 30 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-III (Residential) — Minimum 12,000 sq ft lots with 30 ft front, 12 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.

Commercial and industrial districts include:

• C-I (Commercial) — General commercial district for retail, office, and service uses
• C-II (Commercial) — Commercial district for a range of business and professional uses
• C-III (Highway Commercial) — 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. Londonderry 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 Londonderry Planning Department for the town's specific ADU application requirements and any local dimensional standards

Building Code

Londonderry 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 Londonderry 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 Londonderry Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Londonderry, 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 Londonderry Planning Department at (603) 432-1100 for pre-application guidance

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