Wednesday, August 12, 2026
HomeMunicipalTown Council Adopts First Set of Zoning Amendments Using New Process

Town Council Adopts First Set of Zoning Amendments Using New Process

Published on

By

Town of Salem, NH

Recently, the Town Council unanimously adopted five zoning amendments using the new process created under the 2023 Town Charter. The new process involves multiple public hearings, a recommendation from the Planning Board, with discussion and ultimate approval by the Town Council rather than Town Meeting. The five zoning amendments were relative to the following topics. You can view the referenced Municipal Zoning Codes here: https://ecode360.com/27551953

  • Corner Lot Setbacks (Municipal Zoning Code § 490 – 202)
  • Updating Parking Requirements for Multi-family, Workforce Housing, and ADUs (Municipal Zoning Code § 490 – 701 & § 490 – 801)
  • Non-Commercial Keeping of Chickens (Municipal Zoning Code § 490 – 713)
  • Temporary Occupancy of Manufactured Home (Municipal Zoning Code § 490 – 808)
  • Expansion of Certain Non-conforming Uses (Municipal Zoning Code § 490 – 810)

Planning Director Jacob LaFontaine explains each of the five updates and reasoning for each in more detail in the below clip from the Town Council meeting.

The adopted Resolution as well as a presentation and memo from Planning Director Jacob LaFontaine can be found below with more information on the new amendments:

The Planning Board held public hearings on February 25, 2025 and March 25, 2025 and
unanimously recommended (7-0) that the Town Council adopt the proposed amendments. The Town Council ultimately unanimously approved (8-0) the Zoning Amendments on April 21, 2025.

For additional information on the process to approve Zoning Amendments since the 2023 Charter was adopted, please view the video below.

Latest Posts

Salem Releases Fall 2026 Recreation Guide

The Town of Salem Community Services Department has released its Fall 2026 Recreation Guide,...

Salem to Hold September 11, 2026 Memorial Ceremony

The Town of Salem invites residents, employees, and officials to attend its annual September...

Back to School Safety Reminder – August 2026

As Salem students prepare to return to school, residents are reminded to use extra...

Town Explores Food Truck Pilot Program – August 2026

The Town of Salem is exploring the possibility of establishing a food truck pilot...

More like this

Salem to Hold September 11, 2026 Memorial Ceremony

The Town of Salem invites residents, employees, and officials to attend its annual September...

Back to School Safety Reminder – August 2026

As Salem students prepare to return to school, residents are reminded to use extra...

Town Explores Food Truck Pilot Program – August 2026

The Town of Salem is exploring the possibility of establishing a food truck pilot...