The NH RSAs describe the Master Plan as: The  purpose of a municipal Master Plan, as stated in the New Hampshire  Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 674:2,I is to “set down as clearly and  practically as possible the best and most appropriate future  development…, to aid the board in designing ordinances that result in  preserving and enhancing the unique quality of life and culture of New  Hampshire, and to guide the board in the performance of its other  duties…[to] achieve the principles of smart growth, sound planning, and  wise resource protection.” The information compiled  for the Master Plan needs to include sections on the vision of the  community and land use (RSA 674:2, II (a), (b)). Additional sections  which can be included are transportation, community facilities, economic  development, natural resources, natural hazards, recreation,  utility/public service, cultural and historic resources, regional  concerns, neighborhood plan, community design, housing, and  implementation (RSA 674:2, III). The public is invited by the Planning  Board to participate in the process (RSA 674:3, III).  A Master Plan is  typically updated every five to ten years (RSA 674:3, II). A  Town’s Master Plan is the basis upon which the Zoning Ordinance, Site  Plan Review Regulations, and Subdivision Regulations are written and  revised (RSA 674:2, II). A current Master Plan should be in place before  a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is developed (RSA 674:5). How does a Master Plan benefit our community? There  are multiple benefits of having an updated Master Plan. We have  prepared a fact sheet that explains what a Master Plan is in plain   language and describes the benefits of a current Master Plan. This  informational sheet is perfect for distribution to both Town Boards and interested residents.

Download the Master Plan Public Information Fact Sheet.