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.

2020 Zoning Amendments:

• View the recently adopted syntax and re-stacking amendments to the zoning ordinance.
• View the recently adopted substantive rezoning amendments to the zoning ordinance.

Community Facilities and Utilities Chapter of the Master Plan Update

The City of Dover is currently updating its 2009 Community Facilities and Utilities Master Plan Chapter. As part of this update, we are asking for your feedback on City buildings, infrastructure, and utilities that are most relevant to you. The information collected through this survey will directly inform the update of the Master Plan chapter and help the City continue planning for high-quality, resilient community facilities into the future. The first set of survey questions asks for feedback on municipal buildings, while the second set of questions focuses on public utilities. 

Take the Community Facilities & Utilities Chapter Survey here.

Paper copies of the survey are also available at the Planning Department Office in Dover City Hall and the Dover Public Library. Paper copy surveys should be dropped off at the Planning Department once completed.

For more information or questions, please contact City Planner Steve Bird at s.bird@dover.nh.gov

As the Dover community addresses the issues that are developing in conjunction with the COVID-19 outbreak, I wanted to alert you to some changes to the Planning Department’s normal operating procedures.

Beginning June 22nd, City Hall will be open to customers. The public will be able to continue to communicate and conduct business via phone and email, as well as in person. We can hold in person or virtual meetings.

To review all of the City's actions and information regarding COVID-19, click 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 153, Site Review Regulations. View online here.

Chapter 157, 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

• Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee
• Community Trail Advisory Committee
• Conservation Commission
• Energy Commission
• Open Lands Committee
• Planning Board
• Transportation Advisory Committee
• Zoning Board of Adjustment

Planning Department Documents

Click here to view a list of all Planning Department documents.

Planning Department Forms