Get Involved!

City Hall
Are you a Somersworth resident who wants to have a say in the Community?
 
Do you want to be involved in land use decision making?
 

If so, joining a Land Use Board may be just right for you! The City of Somersworth has four Land Use Boards and they are: Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Conservation Commission and Historic District Commission. Each board has different responsibilities and functions but all offer a way to be involved, have your voice heard and make important decisions in your community!

Becoming a Board Member

If you are interested in becoming a member of any of the Land Use Boards, all you have to do is fill out the Boards & Commissions Application attached and mail it to the following address, or email your request and/or application here:

City Clerk’s Office
One Government Way
Somersworth, NH  03878

Boards & Commission Application Adopted January 8, 2014


Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers, unless otherwise posted. The Commission shall consist of three to seven members and one alternate member.

The Commission reviews applications for conditional use permits and forwards their comments to the Planning Board for final review. The Commission may also review State Dredge and Fill and State Wetlands applications. The Commission is also responsible to attend periodic workshop meetings and site walks, work with other groups and organizations interested in natural resources in the City and be involved with conservation easement monitoring and land acquisition.

For more information on duties of Conservation Commission members, please stop by the Department of Development Services at City Hall or call 692-9519.


Historic District Commission

The HDC meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in City Council Chambers, unless otherwise posted. The Commission shall consist of seven members and three alternate members.

The HDC is responsible for upholding the guidelines of the District and enforcing them through the application process. The Commission may also act in an advisory role to property owners and other officials and boards regarding historic preservation.

For more information on duties of Historic District Commission members, please stop by the Department of Development Services at City Hall or call 692-9519.


Planning Board

The Planning Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, unless otherwise posted. The Board shall consist of nine members and up to five alternate members.

The Board reviews applications for site plans, subdivisions, conditional use permits and development of City-owned property. In addition to this, the Board reviews the Capital Improvement Plan and considers amendments to the City’s Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance. From time to time the Board may be called on to perform site walks and attend workshops.

For more information on duties of Planning Board members, please stop by the Department of Development Services at City Hall or call 692-9519.


Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers, unless otherwise posted. The Board shall consist of five members and two alternate members.

The ZBA reviews appeals from administrative decisions, rehearing requests and applications for variances, special exceptions and equitable waivers. Occasionally, the Board may hold workshop meetings outside of their regularly scheduled meetings.

For more information on duties of Zoning Board of Adjustment members, please stop by the Department of Development Services at City Hall or call 692-9519.