Site Plan Review & Subdivision
Regulations for subdivision and site plan review are adopted and amended by the Planning Board according to RSA 675:6. This law enables the Board to adopt such regulations after a public hearing.
Below are the different applications and processes that may pertain to a project - Full Site Plan, Minor Site Plan, Amended Site Plan, Subdivision, Lot Line Adjustment, and Boundary Line Agreement. Lot Line Adjustments (also known as Boundary Line Adjustments) and Boundary Line Agreements are similar sounding processes, but are not the same and have different end results. Please refer to the Regulations for more information on what may required and / or reviewed.
A Preliminary Conceptual Consultation (PCC) is available to provide an opportunity for a property owner or agent to discuss with the Planning Board, in very general terms, the types of uses that are suitable for the subject of the property. Although this discussion must take place at a public meeting of the Planning Board, notification of abutters and the general public is not required because the discussion is informal and no plans or specific details are presented. The primary advantage of this consultation is that ideas can be informally discussed with the Planning Board before time and money is spent on design.
To download Applications and supporting documents for the following Plan Reviews please visit the PERMITS & APPLICATIONS page.
If there are any questions relating to completing the Site Plan or Subdivision forms or if you would like to schedule a PCC you may contact the Land Use Department at (603) 744-3354 X 117.
Full Site Plan Review
Site Plan Regulations provide a vehicle for the review of all site plans. They cover any land development, re-development, or change of use, including potential subdivision and re-subdivision of an existing site. The applicant’s attention to such critical design elements within the site plan are also subject to review. Site Plan Review regulations can only be amended upon approval by the Planning Board.
Provided below are the Full Site Plan Review instructions, application, a checklist listing all documents and/or plan details required and an abutter notification list. These forms are all required when submitting a Full Site Plan application for Planning Board review and approval. A Full Site Plan application must include three (3) copies of the Site Plan, prepared by a licensed surveyor.
Minor Site Plan Review
Any Site Plan Review which involves no expansion of the building or any changes to the site and does not involve current Zoning Board decisions shall be designated as a Minor Site Plan Review. A Minor Site Plan is one that meets the requirements established by the local ordinance for a Minor Site Plan and does not involve a planned development. Generally, a Minor Site Plan is smaller in size and scope. Any plan that does not satisfy the standards for Minor Site Plan is automatically designated as a Full Site Plan.
Provided below are the Minor Site Plan Review instructions, application, a checklist listing all documents and/or plan details required and an abutter notification list. These forms are all required when submitting a Minor Site Plan application for Planning Board review and approval. A Minor Site Plan application should include a site plan drawing, which does not need to be completed by a licensed surveyor.
Amended Site Plan
The Planning Board has the authority to allow an applicant to submit an Amended Site Plan, when the requirements of a Minor or Full Site Plan Review are not necessary and are considered minor. No changes or alterations shall be made that make the approval inconsistent with the approved plan, without the assent of the Planning Board, as long as it meets the following criteria:
- The proposed change is one which does not alter the manner in which any regulatory standard contained in these Regulations or in the Bristol Zoning Ordinance applies to the proposal;
- The proposed change does not alter any aspect of the reasoning which the Board utilized for its decision, or of the effect or implementation of any express condition of approval;
- The change is one which would not, by itself, trigger site plan review jurisdiction under Section 8.3 of the Site Plan/Subdivision Regulations; and
- The change is otherwise one which the Board believes does not alter in any respect the impacts of the plan upon abutters or the public, with any doubts concerning such impacts being resolved in favor of holding a fully-noticed public hearing.
Subdivision
A Subdivision is a parcel of land divided from a larger area. Its purpose is to split a large tract of land into smaller ones that are easier to develop and can be developed independently of one another. Subdivision Regulations control the pattern of development by creating standards and rules for the way land is divided and infrastructure is provided. The Subdivision Regulations are meant to ensure that the division of the land into smaller units results in lots or parcels that are useable, and safe and reflect the physical characteristics of the site. Regulations for Subdivision are adopted and amended by the Planning Board according to RSA 675:6.
Provided below is the Subdivision application, review checklist and abutter notification list outlining all required information when submitting a Subdivision application for Planning Board review and approval. A Subdivision application must include three (3) copies of the Subdivision Plan including an original Mylar copy, prepared by a licensed surveyor.
Lot Line Adjustment
A Lot Line Adjustment is the process of adjusting property lines between legally created lots. This process cannot create a new lot or reduce the size of a existing lot that is not in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. If a Lot Line Adjustment proposes a change that is not compliant with the Zoning Ordinance, then a Variance would be required.
A Lot Line Adjustment is often sought when two (2) neighbors propose to adjust a shared boundary. Owners may wish to straighten out a "jog" in the property line or may wish to exchange acreage so that both lots are more useful in shape and/or size.
Per RSA 674:1 and 674:35, the Planning Board is authorized to regulate the subdivision of land, which also includes a Lot Line Adjustment. Lot Line Adjustments that are minor and do not create a new buildable lot can submit the following to the Land Use Office.
Boundary Line Agreements
A Boundary Line Agreement is an agreement between two (2) owners of legally created lots whereby the owners agree on the precise location of an otherwise unclear common boundary. Agreements must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board with the following: