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Council adopts changes to short-term lodging rules, bars STRs in RS zones
Summary
The council approved amendments to Chapter 235 (Zoning) to tighten language on short-term lodging, aligning city code with state law and recent NH Supreme Court guidance; the ordinance prohibits short-term lodging in Residential Single-Family zones and passed 5-1.
The Laconia City Council voted 5-1 on March 9 to adopt Ordinance 2026-235-41,70, amending the zoning code to clarify definitions and performance standards for short-term lodging and to prohibit short-term lodging in RS (Residential Single-Family) zones. The change follows Planning Board review and recent court guidance cited by city legal counsel.
Councilors and the Planning Department said the revised language provides clearer enforcement standards and preserves approximately 20% of single-family neighborhoods from transient uses. Director Mora told the council that the Planning Board reviewed the council’s edits and voted 4-1 to return the language for council adoption. "Everything is eligible for a variance, it is their constitutional right and they can also appeal to the housing board of appeals," Director Mora said while explaining appeal options and legal compliance.
Mayor Bordes expressed concern about property rights and where to draw lines between business uses and residential uses; other councilors said the Zoning Board of Adjustment and appeal processes remain available to property owners. The final council vote approved the ordinance with Councilor Conant opposed.
