In order to ensure that future growth is developed in a well-planned manner with attention paid to physical features that define this region, CNHRPC has been working with towns to implement model ordinances from the Innovative Land Use handbook as part of the DES Regional Environmental Planning Program (REPP). In addition to providing assistance through REPP,

CNHRPC has funding from the NH Department of Environmental Services and through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus) to assist member communities in implementing Innovative Land Use Controls.

 

Introduction

 

Would your Town benefit from assistance in achieving the broad goals stated in your master plan?  These goals could include:

 

• preserving community character,

• protecting natural resources, and

• revitalizing downtowns

 

This year, CNHRPC has funding through NH DES’s Regional Environmental Planning Program (REPP) to assist member communities in implementing Innovative Land Use Controls. Each Town chosen will receive professional planning assistance from CNHRPC at no cost to the community.

How would Innovative Land Use Controls Help Our Town?

 

As growth and development occurs, it can burden communities and natural resources. Haphazard growth can cause increased economic costs for towns in the form of road maintenance, public services, and schools, as well as higher vehicle maintenance and fuel costs from scattered development. There are also environmental consequences such as fragmented forests, water and soil degradation, and increased runoff from impermeable surfaces. Finally, social costs of haphazard growth can include loss of a sense of community, more traffic congestion, lack of affordable housing and transportation options, and loss of rural character.

 

 

Innovative Land Use Controls can help towns focus development in desired areas, protect resources, and support a vital sense of community. These techniques can guide growth that is consistent with the community’s articulated vision in the Master Plan.

 

Guidelines

Towns should choose an innovative land use control that is supported by the Master Plan. Examples include, but are not limited to:

 

• Stormwater Management

• Wetlands, Habitat, Shoreland, Floodplain, or Groundwater Protection

• Steep Slope and Ridgeline Protection
• Conservation/Open Space Subdivisions to set aside larger contiguous open spaces in new subdivisions

• Infill Development to encourage efficient use of available land remaining in downtown areas

• Density Transfer Credits to preserve open space while encouraging denser development in desired areas

• Energy Efficient Development

• Access Management to control driveway/access configurations for high-traffic roads

• Inclusionary Housing to support the development of affordable/workforce housing

• Village Plan Alternative as a mechanism to encourage mixed-use developments

• Agricultural Incentive Zoning to encourage and promote agriculture and open space

• Impact Fees that require payment for proportional impact on town-wide capital resources

 

For additional information on Innovative Land Use Controls, please refer to RSA 674:21 in the NH Planning and Land Use Regulation Handbook and to the recently published guide, Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques, featuring model ordinance language for each technique. The guide can be accessed online at: http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/repp/innovative_land_use.htm.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Bittermann, Regional Planner, at 226-602- or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .