Every New Hampshire community seeking to regulate the use and development of land is required to develop and have in place a master plan describing the communityâs vision for the future. NH state law requires the adoption of a master plan in order to exercise basic land use controls, including to adopt a zoning ordinance (NH RSA 674:18) and the continued and consistent updating of the master plan is best practice to ensure that the community is responsive to current conditions. Bedford has a long history
The 2021 Master Plan is a continuation of earlier efforts. The process brought together residents, members of the business community, volunteers and community organizations, and elected officials to have their views heard and ideas presented. The Plan represents a blueprint for long-term, responsible land development and preservation in Bedford.
The Master Plan seeks to address change in order to both protect and enhance the communityâs high quality of life and leverage its many assets. To achieve this goal, the Plan embraces a sustainable approach to land development that reflects Bedfordâs unique character and local values. The Plan is intended as a framework to guide future modifications to the Zoning Ordinance and Site and Subdivision Regulations, the Capital Improvement Plan and future short and long range plans. As such it becomes a valua