Planning/Building


Zoning Amendments 2024 
(Planning Board Final Recommendation)

Click here for information about proposed zoning amendments

  • Amend Zoning Ordinance Section II, Definitions, by omitting the last sentence in the definition of "Lot Line, Front." This change ensures that corner lots facing multiple streets will have those lot lines designated as front lot lines, requiring compliance with the front yard setback. Simultaneously, within Section II, substitute the current Setback Graphic with a new illustration that provides clarity on front, side, and rear yard setbacks. This amendment addresses a conflict between the definition and the Setback Graphic within the Zoning Ordinance.
  • Amend Zoning Ordinance Section V, specifically 5.2.1, Use of a Nonconforming Lot. Add the original month and year (March 1964) of the enactment of zoning in this section. Remove the inquiry about whether the owner(s) of a nonconforming lot own additional contiguous land, as well as the requirement for owners with contiguous land to merge the lots in order for a nonconforming lot to be built upon. This amendment is intended to further align with NH RSA 674:39-a, Restoration of Involuntarily Merged Lots.
  • Amend Zoning Ordinance Section XV, Zoning Board of Adjustment, so that it aligns with the powers and duties specifically granted under NH RSA 674:33.  The purpose of the amendments is to provide clarity in understanding the Board’s powers, membership, rules, application criteria and filing period.  Also addressed is the timing for hearing notices, meeting minutes, action on applications, requests for rehearings, and reapplications. The amendments also introduce provisions for conditions of approval, incorporate requirements for additional findings in alignment with the Floodplain Development Ordinance, include stipulations related to authorization, and recognize appeals of decisions made by the Planning Board. 
  • Amend Zoning Ordinance Section XVII, Floodplain Development Ordinance, as necessary to align with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. The identified amendments were a result of a review conducted by the NH Office of Planning and Development. The amendments include where reference is made to specific dates, the North American Vertical Datum, the special flood hazard areas, base flood elevation, NH RSA 482-A:3, Wetlands Bureau, requirements for hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, the building inspector's utilization of floodway data, regulations concerning recreation vehicles, and guidelines for maintaining and reporting variances. As a result, language within Section XVII will be rephrased, added, or omitted as necessary. 

The Planning Board consists of seven regular members and three alternates appointed by the Select Board. The Planning Board regularly meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM, Town Hall; however, the Board may meet at different times for special meetings or due to holidays or other extenuating circumstances. A quorum consists of four Board Members, and decisions are made by majority vote. Application deadlines can be found by clicking on the meeting schedule on this page. The meeting notices will be posted on the website at least 10-days prior to the scheduled meeting.

The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board consisting of five regular members and three alternates appointed by the Select Board. The Board of Adjustment rules on Variances, Special Exceptions, Equitable Waivers, Special Uses (Fair Overlay District), and Appeals of Zoning Administrative Decisions. When needed, the Board of Adjustment is scheduled to meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM, at Town Hall; however, on occasion, the Board may meet at a different time for special meetings or due to holidays or other extenuating circumstances. Application deadlines can be found by clicking on the meeting schedule on this page. The meeting notices will be posted on the website at least 5-days prior to the scheduled meeting.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Karen Robertson (planzone@hopkinton-nh.gov) Planning Director (603) 746-3170 Ext. 1
Bob Pike (buildinginspector@hopkinton-nh.gov) Building Inspector (603) 783-1509

Planning Board

NameTitleTerm
Michael Wilkey

Chair

2025

James Fredyma

Vice Chair

2024

Ex-Officio

2025

Clarke Kidder

Member

2024

Richard Steele

Member

2025

Jane Bradstreet

Member

2026

Rob Dapice

Member

2026

Emily Bouchard

Alternate

2024

Samuel Durfee

Alternate

2025

Molly Hardenbergh

Alternate

2026

Zoning Board of Adjustment

NameTitleTerm
Dan Rinden

Chair

2025

Jessica Scheinman

Member

2024

Kristen Cummings

Member

2024

Eric Buck

Member

2026

Andrew Locke

Member

2026

Jonathan Cohen

Alternate

2024