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Council conducts first reading of short-term lodging zoning changes; moves to public hearing
Summary
Council held a first reading of Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70 to clarify short-term lodging rules and enforcement, discussed excluding RS zoning and changing the short-term threshold from 15 to 28 days, and scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 23, 2026.
The City Council conducted a first reading of Ordinance 2026-235-41, 70, which would amend Chapter 235 (Zoning) to clarify short-term lodging (short-term rentals) rules, better define performance standards, and update the Special Exception application to require applicant acknowledgement of obligations. The Planning Department and city legal counsel drafted the proposed language to align with state law and recent New Hampshire Supreme Court decisions.
Councilor Hoffman said the amendment is a needed tool to reduce gray areas for the Zoning Board of Adjustment and suggested explicitly excluding the RS zoning district; Director Mora said staff would make language changes. Council members agreed to change the definition of short-term lodging from under 15 consecutive days to under 28 days. Councilor Hoffman moved to waive full reading and conduct a first reading; the motion passed unanimously 6-0. A public hearing was scheduled for the Feb. 23, 2026 council meeting.
