Frequently Asked Questions

The Shoreland Protection Overlay District is defined in 235-19 C as “all land within 250-feet of the reference line of public waters”. The purpose of this district is laid out in 235-19 B as “to establish standards for the use and development of shorelands adjacent to public waters…to minimize the degradation of shorelands, protect water quality, and assure the retention of benefits provided by such shorelands”

The Shoreland Protection Overlay District refers to the following public waters:

• Lake Winnipesaukee from the Meredith Town line southeasterly to the intersection of Lakeside Avenue and Centenary Avenue and from the Gilford Town line westerly to the Commercial Resort District boundary line.
• The westerly side of Paugus Bay from Hilliard Road at Moulton Cove, southerly to the railroad crossing of School Street.
• The easterly side of Paugus Bay from the boundary line shared by Tax Lots Nos. 182-248-1 and 182-248-3 southerly to the boundary line shared by Tax Lot Nos.278-248-1 and 283-23-3 at the intersection of Weirs Boulevard, White Oaks Road and Lake Street.
• Lake Opechee from a point on a southwesterly projection of the center line of Fairmont Street, northwesterly to the most northerly point of the lake and continuing southeasterly to the Messer Street Bridge.
• The entire shoreline of Pickerel Pond.
• Winnisquam Lake from the Meredith Town line, southeasterly to a point on a southwesterly projection of the center line of Fenton Street.

The following uses/activities are prohibited in the Shoreland Protection District, as outlined in 235-19 D:

1. Establishment or expansion of salt storage sheds, junkyards and solid or hazardous waste facilities.
2. Use of fertilizer, particularly those containing phosphorus, with the following exceptions:
   1. (a) Use of lime and/or wood ash; or
   2. (b) In conjunction with agricultural activities and operations.
3. Bulk storage of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides.
   1. (a) The use and application of pesticides and herbicides.
4. Bulk storage of petroleum products or hazardous materials.
5. Sand and gravel excavations as defined in RSA 155-E, Local Regulation, Excavation.
6. Processing of excavated materials.
7. Dumping or disposal of snow and ice collected from roadways or parking areas outside the district.
8. Car washing facilities.
9. Auto repair and body shops.
10. Chemical and bacteriological laboratories.
11. Commercial painting, wood preserving and furniture stripping.
12. Dry cleaning.
13. Electronic circuit assembly.
14. Laundromats unless connected to a municipal sewer system.
15. Metal plating.
16. Photographic processing.
17. Printing.
18. Invasive species as listed under New Hampshire DES banned invasive species list.
19. The definition of "hazardous waste" as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency: "Hazardous waste is waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, gases, or sludges. They can be discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes." 
20. Portable toilets must be at least 33 feet from all wetlands and water bodies under all circumstances. If a portable toilet will be used during construction of the project, its temporary location must be indicated on the plans submitted for review and approval
21. Dumping or burial of construction and demolition (C&D) debris, such as waste concrete, cement, brick, asphalt, and other inert masonry materials. C&D debris is required to be disposed of at an authorized facility.

No, you do not need a permit from the city to replace or install a dock. However, you will need a Shoreland Permit from NHDES. 

No local permit is necessary if the wall is under 4 feet tall, however a permit from NHDES is needed to build/replace a retaining wall along a protected shoreline. If your wall is greater than 4 feet tall, you should speak to the Building Department about permit requirements.

The Shoreland Protection District is an environmentally sensitive area and therefore, there are specific building requirements for areas delineated as the SPOD. Specific requirements may be found in City Ordinance 235-19 F, here.