Nashua Zoning Overview

Nashua is the second-largest city in New Hampshire, located in Hillsborough County, with a population of approximately 91,322 (2020 Census). Situated on the Merrimack River near the Massachusetts border, Nashua is a major economic center in the state. Land use and development are regulated through the city's zoning ordinance, administered by the Nashua Planning & Building Department.

Nashua's zoning ordinance divides the city into multiple districts, including three residential zones ranging from Residential Suburban (R-A) with 40,000 sq ft minimum lots to General Residential (R-G) with 7,500 sq ft minimums. The city also includes Mixed Use (MU), Central Business (CB), and General Industrial (GI) districts.

Key Zoning Districts

Nashua's primary residential zoning districts include:

• R-A (Residential Suburban) — Minimum 40,000 sq ft lots with 40 ft front, 20 ft side, and 30 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-B (Residential Urban) — Minimum 10,000 sq ft lots with 25 ft front, 8 ft side, and 20 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.
• R-G (General Residential) — Minimum 7,500 sq ft lots with 20 ft front, 7 ft side, and 15 ft rear setbacks. Maximum height of 35 ft.

Commercial and industrial districts include:

• MU (Mixed Use) — Mixed-use district allowing residential and commercial uses
• CB (Central Business) — Mixed-use district in Nashua's downtown core
• GI (General 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. Nashua has adopted local ADU provisions in compliance 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 Nashua Planning & Building Department for the city's specific ADU application requirements and any local dimensional standards

Building Code

Nashua 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 Nashua 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 Nashua Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Nashua, 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 Nashua Code of Ordinances for the full zoning text
• Contact the Nashua Planning & Building Department at (603) 589-3090 for pre-application guidance

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