NASHUA – The city recently announced the release of the Draft Land Use Code, a major milestone in the ongoing initiative to modernize zoning and development regulations.

This draft document reflects two years of technical work, community input and policy direction guided by the 2021 Imagine Nashua Master Plan and subsequent planning efforts.

The new code is designed to be clear, user-friendly, and forward-looking, creating a regulatory framework that supports the community’s goals for housing, economic development, sustainability and quality of life. By aligning zoning and development rules with the city’s long-term vision, the draft code promotes equitable and efficient growth, preserves neighborhood character, and expands opportunities for innovation and reinvestment across Nashua.

“This draft represents the most significant update to Nashua’s land use regulations in decades,” said Mayor James Donchess. “We invite everyone in the community–residents, business owners, developers and neighborhood leaders–to review the document and help shape the future of Nashua.”

Key components of the draft code include:

-New district types that reflect the city’s diverse urban, suburban, and rural contexts

-Streamlined development review processes to reduce complexity and increase predictability

-Design and form standards to ensure context-sensitive infill and redevelopment

-Sustainable development strategies to improve environmental resilience and livability

-Flexible housing options that support affordability and attainability, while minimizing displacement

The code also introduces redevelopment overlays and a “district group” concept for targeted growth and investment, particularly in strategic locations such as the Amherst Street, East Hollis Street, Main Street and Daniel Webster Highway corridors.

The city will soon announce a series of community engagement sessions to present the proposed changes and gather feedback. All residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

The draft code and associated zoning map are now available for download and comment and additional information regarding the upcoming community engagement sessions will be made available at www.nashuarecode.com.

Funding for the code update has been provided in part by the InvestNH Municipal Planning & Zoning Grant Program, funded by the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs as part of the $100 million InvestNH Initiative with ARPA State Fiscal Recovery funds.