The Board of Mayor and Aldermen ordained the new Manchester Zoning Ordinance at their meeting on December 16, 2025. The new ordinance will take effect on March 1, 2026.

This Planning and Community Development Department page provides resources for the public in regards to land use and development within the City. Access to permit forms, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment regulations and applications, the City Master Plan, Community Improvement Program, Lead Paint Program, Code Enforcement and more are available here. The Planning and Community Development Department also supports the Heritage Commission and Conservation Commission. We as a Department work continually to balance the rights of individual property owners with public safety and the best interests of the community in mind.

There are many facets to land use and development. We understand that, and know that questions will arise. Please, feel free to stop in to our office, or contact any one of our knowledgeable staff. We are here to help!

Planning and Community Development is located on the second floor of City Hall, West Wing. Our doors are open from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Should you need assistance, please contact our office through one of the following means:

By Phone – Call (603) 624-6450 and leave a voice mail message should the call not be otherwise answered. The voicemail box will be monitored and return calls will be made as soon as possible.

By email – The department can be reached via our general email box at pcd@manchesternh.gov.  This mailbox will also be monitored and responded to either by return email or a phone call as soon as possible.

Open for community use!  The 4th Floor Hall at the City’s Community Resource Center located at 434 Lake Avenue may be utilized for community-based activities such as neighborhood meetings, educational programming skills training, and other events. Learn more about the 4th Floor - Oddfellows Hall.