In RSA 674:17, I, the purposes of the Zoning Ordinance are to

a) lessen congestion in streets
b) secure safety from fires, panic, and other dangers
c) promote health and general welfare
d) provide adequate light and air
e) prevent overcrowding of land
f) avoid undue concentration of population
g) facilitate adequate provision of transportation, solid waste facilities, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and child day care
h) assure proper use of natural resources and other public requirements i) encourage preservation of agricultural land and buildings and
j) encourage solar, wind, and other renewable energy systems.

New or amended ordinances are adopted by the local legislative body, which for most CNHRPC communities is voting day at Town Meeting (RSA 675:3).

Subdivision Regulations are adopted by the Planning Board (RSA 674:36, I) to provide against premature subdivision of land, provide for harmonious development, require proper arrangement of streets, provide for open space, require suitably located streets and access, require that proposed parks shall be of reasonable size, require that land shall be of character for safe building, prescribe minimum area of lots, include provisions for health, safety, convenience or prosperity, encourage installation and use of renewable energy, provide for efficient and compact subdivision development,  require innovative land use controls where supported by the Master Plan, provide waiver provisions, and provide administrative controls (RSA 675:35, II).  Regulations can be adopted or amended through Planning Board public hearing procedures (RSA 675:6).

The powers for Planning Boards to adopt Site Plan Review Regulations after having adopted both the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations are granted in RSA 674:44, I. Site Plan Review Regulations should be designed to provide for the safe and attractive development or change or expansion of use of the site and guard against injurious conditions, provide for harmonious development, require proper arrangement of streets, provide for open space, require suitably located streets and access, require that land shall be of character for safe building, include provisions for health, safety, convenience or prosperity, require innovative land use controls where supported by the Master Plan, and require preliminary review of plans. The regulations shall develop administrative provisions. Regulations can be adopted or amended through Planning Board public hearing procedures (RSA 675:6). community summarizing the past year’s assistance.