Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques: A Handbook for Sustainable Development, originally published in 2008 was created to address the need for guidance and technical assistance on Innovative Land Use Controls authorized by RSA 674:21. The handbook includes sections dealing with development density, environmental characteristics, and site level design. Each of the 23 chapters includes model ordinances and regulations for use by municipalities interested in implementing the innovative land use techniques.
To address the need for guidance and technical assistance on Innovative Land Use Controls authorized by RSA 674:21, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and its partners, the NH Association of Regional Planning Commissions, the NH Office of Energy and Planning (presently known as the NH Office of Strategic Initiatives), and the NH Local Government Center (presently known as the New Hampshire Municipal Association), produced Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques: A Handbook for Sustainable Development.
This Innovative Land Use handbook includes sections dealing with development density, environmental characteristics, and site level design. Each of the 23 chapters includes model ordinances and regulations for use by municipalities interested in implementing the innovative land use techniques.
To assist users, the handbook is available in three versions:
- Complete Handbook
(7 MB) - This is available for download and printing.
- New Chapters added as addendums to Complete Handbook
- 2.9 Fluvial Erosion Hazard Area Zoning (added Sept. 2010)
Chapter 2.9 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.9 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) 
/ Chapter 2.9 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format) 
- 3.7 Neighborhood Heritage Districts (added Nov. 2014)
Chapter 3.7 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.7 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.7 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
- 2.9 Fluvial Erosion Hazard Area Zoning (added Sept. 2010)
- New Chapters added as addendums to Complete Handbook
- Individual Complete Chapters (links below): These are available in PDF for quick chapter access and printing.
- Model Ordinances in Microsoft Word and Rich Text Format (links below): These are only the model ordinance sections of the chapters. The model ordinances are intended for use as a starting point. It is recommended that planning boards thoroughly review the model language, adapt the language for specific municipal needs, and seek legal review prior to adoption.
Complete Chapters and Ordinance Templates
Cover, Table of Contents and Introduction
Section 1: Multi-Density Zoning
1.1 Density Transfer Credit
Chapter 1.1 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.1 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.1 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.2 Lot Size Averaging
Chapter 1.2 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.2 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.2 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.3 Feature-based Density
Chapter 1.3 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.3 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.3 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.4 Conservation Subdivision
Chapter 1.4 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.4 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.4 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.5 Village Plan Alternative
Chapter 1.5 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.5 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.5 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.6 Infill Development
Chapter 1.6 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.6 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.6 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.7 Agriculture Incentive Zoning
Chapter 1.7 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.7 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.7 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.8 Urban Growth Boundary and Urban Service District
Chapter 1.8 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.8 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.8 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
1.9 Inclusionary Housing
Chapter 1.9 Complete Chapter / Chapter 1.9 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 1.9 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
Section 2: Environmental Characteristics Zoning
2.1 Permanent (Post-Construction) Stormwater Management
Chapter 2.1 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.1 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.1 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
2.2 Steep Slopes and Ridgeline Protection
Chapter 2.2 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.2 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.2 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
2.3 Habitat Management
Chapter 2.3 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.3 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.3 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
2.4 Wetlands Protection
Chapter 2.4 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.4 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.4 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
2.5 Protection of Groundwater and Surface Water Resources
Chapter 2.5 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.5 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.5 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
See Also: NHDES Drinking Water Program's Model Groundwater Protection Ordinance
2.6 Shoreland Protection: The Importance of Riparian Buffers
Chapter 2.6 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.6 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.6 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
2.8 Erosion and Sediment Control During Construction
Chapter 2.8 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.8 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.8 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
2.9 Fluvial Erosion Hazard Area Zoning (NEW CHAPTER added Sept. 2010)
Chapter 2.9 Complete Chapter / Chapter 2.9 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 2.9 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
Section 3: Site-Level Design
3.1 Transit Oriented Development
Chapter 3.1 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.1 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.1 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
3.2 Pedestrian Oriented Development
Chapter 3.2 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.2 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.2 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
3.3 Access Management
Chapter 3.3 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.3 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.3 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
3.4 Preserving Dark Skies
Chapter 3.4 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.4 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.4 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
3.5 Energy Efficient Development
Chapter 3.5 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.5 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.5 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
3.6 Landscaping
Chapter 3.6 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.6 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.6 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
3.7 Neighborhood Heritage Districts (NEW CHAPTER added Nov. 2014)
Chapter 3.7 Complete Chapter / Chapter 3.7 Ordinance Template Only (Word Document) / Chapter 3.7 Ordinance Template Only (Rich Text Format)
Additional Related Resources
- Model Stormwater Standards for Coastal Watershed Communities : Prepared by the UNH Stormwater Center and The Rockingham Planning Commission for the Southeast Watershed Alliance, December 2012