Planning

Welcome to the Department of Planning and Community Development

Planning, Community Development, and Inspection Services are administered by the Planning Department in the City of Dover. 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 and economic needs.

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.

Zoning Ordinance and Proposed Amendments

To review the Zoning Ordinance in its entirety, click here.

The Planning Department mailed a letter to all city property owners on Aug. 1, 2025, about proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Board will hold public hearings on these proposed amendments at its Aug. 26, 2025 and Sept. 9, 2025 meetings.

In addition to attending the public hearings, the public may also email the Planning Department at Dover-Planning@dover.nh.gov, or call the department at 603-516-6008.

For more information, contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 603-516-6008.

Submit site plans and apply for building permits online

You may now submit plans for site review and apply for building permits online at https://permits.dover.nh.gov.

Application Fees and other Planning Fees can be found here: Fiscal Year 2025 Fee Schedule
Residential and non-residential Impact Fees can be found here: Impact Fees Explained
For the latest review and report on Impact Fees in the City of Dover, click here.

2025 Meeting Deadlines

For 2025 application deadlines and meeting schedules for each of the various land use boards and commissions, please 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.

2025 Recommended Amendments to Chapter 153, Site Review Regulations, can be viewed here.

2025 Recommended Amendments to Chapter 157, Subdivision of Land, can be viewed here.

Have a question?

Check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

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

Arts Commission
Community Trail Advisory Committee
Conservation Commission
Energy Commission
Heritage Commission
Open Lands Committee
Planning Board
Transportation Advisory Committee
Zoning Board of Adjustment

Planning Review

The Dover Planning Review is a biweekly newsletter created by the Planning Department that is sent out every other Friday. The newsletter contains a variety of information including meetings recaps, updates on current projects, and valuable planning resources.

You may subscribe to the Planning Review and other City of Dover communications here.

You will find links to past Planning Review newsletters below.

Planning Review, August 29, 2025

Planning Review, August 15, 2025

Planning Review, August 1, 2025

Planning Review, July 18, 2025

Planning Review, July 4, 2025

Planning Review, June 20, 2025

Planning Review, June 6, 2025