Welcome to the Department of Planning and Community Development
In Dover, Planning and Community Development is administered by the Planning Department. The department has worked to implement changes to the land use regulations, which are geared toward promoting smart growth. This type of growth looks to balance environmental needs with human/economic needs.
Using the Web, we hope to serve you in the best possible manner. If we can be of service, please do not hesitate to call or email our office.
Recreation Chapter of the Master Plan Surveys
The City is updating its Recreation Chapter of the Master Plan. We have has released two surveys, one on recreation https://bit.ly/2l4aJOs and one on public art https://bit.ly/31If3TH for feedback. You are encouraged to weigh in on recreation and the arts in Dover and what you would like to see in the future. The Strafford Regional Planning Commission is helping to facilitate the public input process and update the chapter. Take a few minutes and share your thoughts and ideas with us to contribute to keeping Dover a fantastic place to live and visit!
For more information or questions, please contact City Planner Donna Benton at d.benton@dover.nh.gov
- View the FY21-26 Capital Improvements Program here
- View the Land Disposition and Development agreement or summary of the agreement for the waterfront
- View the Report of the Rezoning Committee's review.
- View the 2018 Greenhouse Gas and Nitrogen Inventory on Municipal and School Operations
FY2020 CDBG Action Plan
FFY18 CDBG CAPER
- View the UNH Cooperative Extension First Impressions Report | Presentation | Storybook
View the 2018 Climate Adaptation Master Plan chapter.
- Interested in the Climate Change Risk Assessment work completed with MIT and the New England Climate Adaptation Project in 2013? Results are in, click here to learn more.
Read our blog: here |Like us on Facebook: here | Follow Us on Twitter here
Land Use Regulations
Interested in developing in Dover?
We have created a handbook in Dover to assist property owners and developers in developing and redeveloping their property. View it here.
The City of Dover's land use regulations can be found in the following chapters of the City Code:
Chapter 149, Site Review Regulations. View online here.
Chapter 155, Subdivision of Land. View online here.
Chapter 170, Zoning. View online here.
Mission Statement
To facilitate the process of determining Dover’s long-range development goals and advocate the implementation of these goals once they are established with particular emphasis on economic development; to serve the public as a source of information and data about the community; to develop and fairly administer regulatory processes that apply to development and construction with an emphasis on assisting the public, and to provide expertise for special projects with emphasis on GIS, economic development, transportation and land use.
Major Service Responsibilities for the Planning Office
- Maintain and implement the City’s Master Plan
- Maintain and administer the approval process for development and subdivision of land
- Staff the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment and City Council for their respective land use and development issues
- Serve as an information source on the City and development process for the public, City departments and applicants
- Represent the City on regional and state committees and projects
- Conduct research and grant writing
- Conduct special projects as assigned by the City Manager or any of the City’s Boards and Commissions
Boards Served
- Planning Board
- Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee
- Community Trail Advisory Committee
- Conservation Commission
- Energy Commission
- Open Lands Committee
- Transportation Advisory Committee
Planning Department Documents
Click here to view a list of all Planning Department documents.