BACKGROUND & SCOPE
SIMPLE
New regulations will be easy to navigate & will include graphics to outline a clear process, from start to finish.
EFFICENT
The updated structure will provide a set of clear procedures for development queries, & will create a more streamlined application process - eliminating the need to navigate multiple points of contact.
THOUGHTFUL
Although our regulations have worked in the past, they can be outdated & confusing. This update will help guide us into the future, while protecting the crucial elements that make this a great place to live, work, & play.
The City of Keene is increasingly seen as an emerging economic and cultural hub, and over the course of the year, an update to the city’s zoning and permitting processes will lead the way to an even brighter future. By prioritizing smarter redevelopment and protecting the distinctive character that residents and visitors love, the new regulations will provide a simpler and more intuitive roadmap for permits.
To guide the update, the city is restructuring these processes around three guiding principles:
For Developers...
This means a more navigable, intuitive, consistent process for redevelopment and new construction. Streamlining points of contact and potential departmental overlap, new processes will reduce confusion and outline a clear planning roadmap.
For Business & Home Owners...
This means a user-friendly permitting process for everything from a lot line adjustment to a home addition. The update is aimed at reducing potential confusion and frustration by providing an easier-to-understand set of land use regulations, accompanied by helpful resources to guide the process.
For City Staff & Elected Officials...
This means a significantly simpler, streamlined system that will make the review and approval process clearer and easier to administer, allowing the city to better serve those in the community, and allocate time to other important tasks and areas of focus.