What it means: Within the Town Center District, structural dimensions are being relaxed somewhat in order to encourage more residential building and to thus ease the housing shortage. Differences such as allowing four stories where there once was allowed only three, or removing the requirement that the number of dwelling units per structure should be no more than eight. This could improve the financial outlook for housing development in the Town Center and potentially increase availability of affordable housing.

The changes incorporated in Article 2 are highlighted at this link:

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/httpswww.hamptonnh.govDocumentCenterView11359Article-02-Amendment-1_Town-Center-District-Dimensional-Amendments.pdf

No one spoke for or against this Article at Deliberative Session, other than to explain it.

What it means: Adoption of this Ordinance would add a new overlay district to allow “thoughtful, small-scale residential development”.  These would be smaller homes on smaller lots around a shared open space, and with common parking areas to allow for greater density. The goal would be to help alleviate the shortage of housing. These smaller properties would not be allowed under current ordinances.

• Conditional use permit would still be required.
• Not allowed in Residence A and AA or industrial
• Existing perimeter setbacks still apply

The changes incorporated in Article 3 are highlighted at this link:

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/httpswww.hamptonnh.govDocumentCenterView11360Article-03-Amendment-2_Cottage-Court-Ordinance.pdf

No one spoke for or against this Article at Deliberative Session, other than to explain it.

What it means: This Article amends the Zoning Ordinance to clarify and define outdoor permanent and temporary dining areas, since the existing language lacks proper definitions. Establishments that use outside facilities to serve food and beverages must maintain safe and sanitary conditions at all times and ensure outdoor dining installations do not negatively impact public access or surrounding uses.

The changes incorporated in Article 4 are highlighted at this link:

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Article-4-Permanent-Temporary-Outside-Dining.pdf

No one spoke for or against this Article at Deliberative Session, other than to explain it.

What it means: Our existing Ordinance related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will be deleted in its entirety and replaced by an updated regulation that complies with recent changes in state law.  ADU’s no longer need to go through the Planning Department, but do require a Building Permit and must receive a Certificate of Occupancy.  The owner must live in  either the main building or the accessory dwelling.  ADU’s are intended for occupancy for no less than 90 days (not intended for short-term rentals).  More details about the changed Ordinance are available at the link below.

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/httpswww.hamptonnh.govDocumentCenterView11362Article-05-Amendment-4_ADU-Ordinance.pdf

No one spoke for or against this Article at Deliberative Session, other than to explain it.

What it Means: This Article would repeal current Solar Panels Ordinance and replace with a new Solar Systems Ordinance to:

• Include and define Accessory Use Solar Installation
• Provide comprehensive and current standards for a variety of solar installations
• Add new definitions (heights, setbacks, location on property, co-compliance, emergency access).
• Outline new permitting requirements to deal with historical structures, fencing, site management, stormwater management, submission/approvals requirements.
• Most changes address new types of solar installations that were not included in the original ordinance

No one spoke for or against this Article at Deliberative Session, other than to explain it.

However, someone asked whether solar installation over a parking lot would be permitted.  The answer: it is a potentially allowed installation under “Accessory Use”.

The changes incorporated in Article 6 are highlighted here.

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/httpswww.hamptonnh.govDocumentCenterView11363Article-06-Amendment-5_Solar-Energy-Systems-Ordinance.pdf

What it Means: This Article amends the Town Zoning Ordinances to comply with NH Statutes as of September 2025.  NH Towns and cities are obligated to follow these changes, which reduce the number of parking spaces that a town can require per residential unit.

The changes incorporated in Article 7 are highlighted here.

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/httpswww.hamptonnh.govDocumentCenterView11364Article-07-Amendment-6_Residential-Parking-Changes-per-RSA.pdf

What it Means: The proposed changes would bring the Ordinance into alignment with both the Master Plan and State and Federal laws.  Approvals will now be based on the appropriateness of the site for the installation, rather than by Zoning District.  Among other changes, height restrictions have been modified and would be limited to 130 feet or 125% of the highest point of the mature tree canopy within the area, whichever is less. If there is no mature tree canopy within the subject area, the maximum height shall not exceed 100 feet.

The changes incorporated in Article 8 are highlighted here.

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/httpswww.hamptonnh.govDocumentCenterView11365Article-08-Amendment-7_Telecommunication-Facilities-Ordinance.pdf

What it Means: The Amendment to this Ordinance states that all Commercial Facilities must be in a permanent structure with a foundation, four walls and a permanent roof.  Exceptions are provided for, including seasonal sales and displays, and where a permanent structure has been rendered uninhabitable or demolished due to fire, storm or similar Act of God. The Building Inspector is granted the authority to determine the duration of use for temporary structures and to assure the appropriateness given surrounding property uses.

The changes incorporated in Article 10 are highlighted here.

https://intheknowhampton.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/httpswww.hamptonnh.govDocumentCenterView11367Article-10-Amendment-9_Commercial-Uses-in-Buildings.pdf