What Is a Road Frontage Requirement in New Hampshire Real Estate?

🏡 What Is a Road Frontage Requirement in New Hampshire Real Estate?

In New Hampshire — especially in rural towns like Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and Dorchester — road frontage requirements play a major role in whether a parcel of land can be built on, subdivided, or legally accessed.

Road frontage refers to the amount of a property that directly borders a public or approved private road.

Every town in NH sets its own minimum frontage requirement for building new homes or creating new lots.

Here’s what NH buyers and landowners need to know.

⭐ What Is Road Frontage?

Road frontage is the length of a property boundary that touches a road.

It is measured in linear feet and determines whether a parcel has legal access.

Examples:

✔ A lot with 200 feet along a town-maintained road

✔ A parcel with 150 feet along an approved private road

✔ A corner lot with frontage on two roads

Without enough frontage, a lot may not qualify for building.

⭐ Why NH Requires Minimum Road Frontage

Road frontage requirements help ensure:

✔ Safe access for emergency vehicles

✔ Adequate spacing between driveways

✔ Proper lot shape and use

✔ Safe traffic flow

✔ Compliance with local zoning

✔ Avoidance of landlocked lots

Every town sets its own rules through zoning ordinances.

⭐ Typical Road Frontage Requirements in NH

Each town is different, but common minimums include:

• 200 feet (very common in rural NH)

• 150 feet

• 100 feet

• Multi-family or village zones may allow less

• Conservation or rural zones may require more

Some towns also require:

✔ Longer frontage on private roads

✔ Additional frontage for subdividing

✔ Road upgrades before approval

Always check the exact town ordinance.

⭐ Frontage Rules Matter for Buildability

Before buying land in NH, confirm:

✔ Does the lot meet the town’s frontage requirement?

✔ Is the road public or private?

✔ Is the road approved for building?

✔ Can a driveway legally be placed?

✔ Does the lot have enough frontage for subdivision?

Failing to meet frontage rules can make a lot unbuildable.

⭐ What If a Lot Has No Road Frontage?

A parcel with no frontage is considered landlocked.

Landlocked parcels usually require:

✔ A deeded right-of-way

✔ A private road agreement

✔ A frontage waiver from the town (rare)

✔ A subdivision correction

Without legal access, lenders will not finance the property.

⭐ Can You Get a Frontage Variance?

Sometimes — but it’s not guaranteed.

A Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) may grant a variance if:

✔ The lot was created legally before zoning

✔ There is no reasonable way to add frontage

✔ The request does not harm public interest

✔ The hardship is unique to the land

Variances are case-by-case and often difficult to obtain.

⭐ Bottom Line

Road frontage is one of the most important zoning requirements in New Hampshire. Before buying land or planning a subdivision, confirm:

✔ Minimum frontage requirements

✔ Whether the road is public or private

✔ Legal access and driveway placement

✔ Buildability and subdivision rules

In the Central NH region, understanding frontage saves buyers from costly surprises and ensures the land can be used as intended.

⭐ Keywords

nh road frontage rules, new hampshire frontage requirements, plymouth nh land zoning, campton nh buildable land, thornton nh subdivision frontage, rumney nh property access

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com