2026 Proposed Zoning Amendments

AMHERST PLANNING BOARD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ZONING ORDINANCE

Notice is hereby given that the AMHERST PLANNING BOARD will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on WEDNESDAY, January 7, 2026, starting at 7:00 P.M. in the AMHERST TOWN HALL, AMHERST, NH.

PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AMHERST ZONING ORDINANCE FOR 2026 BALLOT VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

Amend Article III, General Zoning Provisions, to add Section 3.22 Short-Term Rentals (STRs).

Amend Article IX, Definitions, Section 9.1 Meaning of Certain Words, to amend the definition of Accessory Dwelling Unit and Floor Area Ratio.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.19 Impact Fee Ordinance, Paragraph C Definitions, to add “public works facilities” as eligible to receive impact fee funds.

Amend Article III, General Zoning Provisions, Section 3.5 Accessory Dwelling Units, to allow a detached unit by right, require owner occupancy of either the main dwelling unit or the Accessory Dwelling Unit, and allow existing structures to be converted into Accessory Dwelling Units, with limitations.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.3 Residential/Rural Zone, Paragraph D Yard Requirements, to update setbacks for Accessory Dwelling Units to match that of the primary structure.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.4 Northern Transitional Zone, Paragraph D Yard Requirements, to update setbacks for Accessory Dwelling Units to match that of the primary structure.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.5 Northern Rural Zone, Paragraph E Yard Requirements, to update setbacks for Accessory Dwelling Units to match that of the primary structure.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.6 General Office Zone, Paragraph A Permitted Uses, to allow multi-family residential development.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.7 Commercial Zone, Paragraph A Permitted Uses, to allow multi-family residential development.

Amend Article IV, Zoning Regulations, Section 4.15 Historic District, Paragraph B Definitions, to amend the definition of Abutter.

Copies of the full text of the 2026 Amendments to the Amherst Zoning Ordinance proposed by the Planning Board are available free of charge from the Office of Community Development during regular business hours, are posted at the Town Hall for viewing purposes only, and can be found on the Town of Amherst website www.amherstnh.gov.  (Click Here)

            12-26-2025                                              AMHERST PLANNING BOARD