Welcome to the Department of Planning and Community Development
In Dover, Planning & Community Development is administered by the Planning Department. The department has worked to implement changes to the land use regulations, which are geared toward promoting smart growth. This type of growth looks to balance environmental needs with human/economic needs.
Using the Web, we hope to serve you in the best possible manner. If we can be of service, please do not hesitate to call or email our office.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm
Phone: 603.516.6008
Fax: 603.516.6007
E-mail: Christopher G. Parker: click here
Read our blog : here
Below are locations of projects before the Planning Board.
View The City of Dover NH Planning Board meeting in a larger map
Below are locations of projects before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
View The City of Dover NH Zoning Board meeting in a larger map
Meeting dates and submission deadlines for Planning Board, Zoning Board, TRC, Conservation Commission and the Transportation Advisory Commission located here on our Planning Department 2010 Meeting Schedule
Christopher G. Parker AICP - Director of Planning & Community Development
- Oversees department operations
- Staff support for Planning Board, Technical Review Committee (TRC), Housing Standards Board
- Master Plan update coordination
- Special Projects coordination
Secretary for Planning Department
- Administrative support for Planners
- Fields Planning and Zoning questions from public in person and on the phone
- Recording Secretary for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment
Bruce Woodruff, City Planner
- Transportation Advisory Commission member/support
- Transportation planning
- Transportation Improvement Program administration
- NH Rail Transit Authority member
- Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority Operations Committee member
- Newington-Dover/Little Bay Bridge Project Advisory Task Force member
- NH Rail Transit Authority member
- Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority Operations Committee member
- Newington-Dover/Little Bay Bridge Project Advisory Task Force member
- Train Station Committee support
- Exit 10 Advisory Task Force member
- Seacoast Metropolitan Planning Organization representative
- Plan review for new projects for approval
- GIS map preparation
- Zoning amendment preparation
- Subdivision and site review regulation amendment preparation
- Transportation Master Plan update
- Zoning Administrator
Steve Bird, City Planner
- Master Plan update
- Zoning Amendment preparation
- Subdivision and site review regulation amendment preparation
- Cochecho River dredging project
- Staff support for the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee
- Staff support for Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA)
- Staff support for Open Lands Committee
- Plan review for new project conditions of approval
- Impact fee development
Mission Statement - Planning Office
To facilitate the process of determining Dover’s long-range development goals and advocate the implementation of these goals once they are established with particular emphasis on economic development; to serve the public as a source of information and data about the community; to develop and fairly administer regulatory processes that apply to development and construction with an emphasis on assisting the public, and to provide expertise for special projects with emphasis on GIS, economic development, transportation and land use.
Major Service Responsibilities for the Planning Office
- Maintain and implement the City’s Master Plan
- Maintain and administer the approval process for development and subdivision of land
- Staff the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment and City Council for their respective land use and development issues
- Participate in the City’s Geographic Information System
- Serve as an information source on the City and development process for the public, City departments and applicants
- Represent the City on regional and state committees and projects
- Conduct research and grant writing
- Conduct special projects as assigned by the City Manager or any of the City’s Boards and Commissions
Services Provided
Access to the services provided can be found in the Planning Directory under Services and or Special Projects. If there is something you cannot find, do not hesitate to call us @ 516-6008.
- Community Development Block Grant - - Consolidated Plan
- Cochecho River Dredging
- Code Enforcement
- Digital Mapping
- Economic Loans
- Groundwater Protection
- Housing Rehab Program
- Land Use Applications
- Land Use Regulations
- Master Plan
- Permitting of signs
- Plan Review
- Plot Plan Preparation
- Transportation Planning
Boards Served
- Planning Board
- Transportation Advisory Committee
- Conservation Commission
- Open Lands Committee
- Zoning Board of Adjustment - Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee
Additional information is located under Services in the Planning Directory.
Welcome to the Department of Planning and Community Development 
