Hooksett voters will decide seven separate zoning amendments on Town Meeting Day. The proposals range from septic regulations and accessory dwelling units to major changes in commercial and industrial districts.
Some amendments are driven by new state laws. Others are the result of feedback from residents who have expressed concerns about overdevelopment in certain sectors — particularly automotive businesses and self-storage facilities.
Here’s a breakdown of what each amendment does, along with the potential pros, cons, tax implications, and what happens if they pass or fail.
What it does: This amendment would align Hooksett’s septic system setback requirements with New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) standards. Currently, Hooksett requires septic systems to be placed 15 feet farther from property lines than the state minimum.
If it passes: Hooksett would adopt the state standard, allowing septic systems closer to property lines than currently permitted.
If it fails: The town’s stricter 15-foot additional setback would remain in place.
Pros: Supporters argue this creates consistency between local and state regulations and may make it easier for property owners to build or expand on smaller lots.
Cons: Opponents may worry about reduced buffer distances between systems and neighboring properties.
Tax impact: There is no direct tax impact. However, slightly increased buildability could modestly affect future property values and development potential.
What it does: This amendment would:
If it passes: The commercial district could see fewer auto-related uses and more mixed-use developments combining housing and retail.
If it fails: The zoning ordinance would not comply with RSA 674:80 once it takes effect, potentially requiring future correction.
Pros: Supporters argue it diversifies commercial areas, encourages walkable mixed-use development, and balances business types.
Cons: Critics may worry about increased residential density in commercial zones and the impact on traffic and schools.
Tax impact: Mixed-use developments can increase property tax revenue by adding both residential and commercial valuation. However, multi-family housing may also increase demand on municipal and school services. The long-term net tax effect would depend on the scale and type of projects built.
What it does: In the US Route 3 Corridor Performance Zone, this amendment would:
If it fails: Automotive and related uses would continue to be permitted under existing rules.
Pros: Supporters say it addresses concerns about oversaturation and preserves the visual and economic character of the corridor.
Cons: Opponents may argue it restricts property rights and limits business opportunities.
Tax impact: This would likely encourage alternative commercial growth that would appeal to a better look for the town and bring in new development especially with Auto Wholesalers that is now no longer in business, this large parcel on Hooksett Rd would be prime for redevelopment and would not be able to be used as a used car lot again. This could generate more tax revenue for the town.
What it does: Prohibits future individual self-storage businesses in the Industrial District.
If it passes: No new self-storage facilities would be approved in that zone.
If it fails: Self-storage facilities could continue to be proposed under existing zoning.
Pros: Allows for different uses that could generate more tax revenue to the community and eliminates the large numbers of self storage units in the town that many don’t like to see.
Cons: Self storage units are low use types of business and don’t drain the town’s services.
Tax impact: Self-storage typically adds to the tax base with minimal strain on services. However, replacing storage with higher-employment industrial uses could potentially generate greater economic activity long term.
What it does: Permits multi-family housing with first-floor retail in the Mixed-Use 1 District, as required by RSA 674:80 effective July 1, 2026.
If it passes: The town would be compliant with state law.
If it fails: The town would likely need to amend the ordinance later to comply with state requirements.
Pros: Encourages compact, mixed-use development and economic activity.
Cons: Some residents may have concerns about density and infrastructure impacts.
Tax impact: Similar to Amendment 2, mixed-use development can broaden the tax base but may increase service demand depending on scale.
What it does: Allows detached ADUs on single-family lots, capped at 750 square feet, as required under revised RSA 674:72 effective July 1, 2025.
If it passes: Property owners could add small detached units for family members or rental income, and this could also be with pre-existing garages, carriage houses, barns etc. This opens up lots of possibilities for property owners and could alleviate some of the housing shortage we see here in town.
If it fails: Hooksett will be out of compliance with state law.
Pros: Provides housing flexibility for seniors, adult children, or workforce housing. May create supplemental income opportunities for homeowners.
Cons: Concerns may include neighborhood density, parking, and infrastructure strain.
Tax impact: ADUs increase property valuation modestly, potentially raising property tax revenue without requiring major infrastructure expansion.
What it does: Rezones five parcels on Lehoux Drive from Mixed Use 5 to Industrial. The properties are surrounded by industrial uses.
If it passes: The parcels could be developed under industrial zoning regulations.
If it fails: They would remain Mixed Use 5.
Pros: Aligns zoning with surrounding land uses and may support economic development. This would bring in more tax revenue dollars to help pay off the TIF district water and sewer project at exit 10 quicker since Lehoux Drive was added to the TIF in 2022 to help with paying off the bond for public water and sewer at exit 10.
Cons: Industrial zoning could allow more intensive uses than currently permitted. The monies that would be brought in for new industrial development in this area of town would go directly to the TIF district and not into the general fund for paying for other services for the town and school. This would be with any new development in this area though regardless of the zoning change.
Tax impact: Industrial development typically adds a commercial tax base and may reduce reliance on residential property taxes if successful once the TIF district bond is paid off if the TIF continues.
Collectively, these amendments signal a shift in how Hooksett manages growth. Several proposals respond directly to resident feedback about oversaturation of certain business types. Others are mandated by changes in state law.
From a tax standpoint, none of these amendments carry an immediate direct tax increase or decrease. Instead, they shape the type of development Hooksett may see in the future — and over time, that development influences property values, commercial tax base, school enrollment, traffic, and municipal service demand.
Voters are not deciding specific projects. They are deciding the rules that will govern what projects are allowed.
On Town Meeting Day, the question is not just what exists today — but what kind of community Hooksett wants to become in the years ahead.
