Rockingham Planning Commission

04/08/2026

*Welcome Back, Cottages in Hampton!*

✅ At Town Meeting 2026, Hampton voters approved the ability for cottages to be allowed once more in their community. Cottages with courtyards were a common type of housing a century ago in many seaside towns. Homes in a cottage court development are smaller in size, oriented around shared green space, and typically have parking screened from the street. Today, most communities do not allow this smaller-scale, neighborhood type of development any longer.

For several years, the Hampton Planning Board, along with the Hampton Master Plan Implementation Committee, have been working with Rockingham Planning Commission to better align the town’s housing regulations to the goals and priorities of the community expressed in the 2023 Hampton Master Plan and supported by their Housing Data Report and Land Use Regulatory Audit. Development of a diverse housing supply that meets the needs of all residents is an essential ingredient in ensuring Hampton remains a vibrant community.

The appeal of this newly adopted zoning ordinance is that it:

🏡 Allows more compact, small-scale residential development.

🏡Focuses on needed housing with smaller home sizes, while allowing some commercial uses.

🏡Allows for rented and owned units that appeal to people at various stages of life.

🏡Can be integrated into small in-town lots, supporting infill development while maintaining community character.

This effort was funded by the InvestNH Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) Grant project awarded to Hampton in 2025. Hampton continues to work with RPC on additional housing regulatory amendments under this grant. For questions, contact Jenn Rowden, at [email protected].

04/03/2026

We are always excited to see projects that help our communities move forward!

04/01/2026

I-95 Work Zone Update: North Hampton to Portsmouth 🚧
Median barrier and guardrail improvements are underway on I-95 between North Hampton and Portsmouth, with work continuing through September 2026.
What to expect:
• Single lane closures in both directions
• Shoulder closures
Please slow down and stay alert in the work zone. Remember to follow the Move Over Law (Sherrill’s Law) when approaching crews working roadside.
Stay in the know with real-time traffic updates: newengland511.org

03/27/2026

03/27/2026

Register for the 2026 NH Coastal Climate Summit!

The NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup is excited to host the 2026 NH Coastal Climate Summit on May 21, 2026, at the University of New Hampshire! This biennial event features stories, interactive presentations, and art about local climate impacts and how communities are adapting in the region and beyond. The NH Coastal Climate Summit will be an in-person event from 8:30am-4:30pm. Presentations will be made available online after the event. Thank you to our sponsors Fuss & O’Neill, the NH Charitable Foundation, PREP, VHB, and a generous donation from a CAW member!

Register here by May 7, 2026! https://lnkd.in/eAMWKgkd

You'll even get to hear from RPC staff about some of the cool stuff we've been doing! 😎

03/10/2026

02/17/2026

🚦 We’re Hiring! Transportation Planner – Rockingham Planning Commission (Exeter, NH)

The Rockingham Planning Commission is looking for a motivated Transportation Planner to help shape the future of mobility across New Hampshire’s seacoast and growing communities. Join our award‑winning team and contribute to long‑range planning, multimodal transportation projects, public engagement, and technical assistance for towns throughout our MPO region.

We’re seeking someone with strong communication skills, a planning background, and a passion for building safe, resilient, and accessible transportation systems. If you enjoy collaborative work and want to make a meaningful regional impact, you’ll fit right in.

✔ Flexible, hybrid-friendly workplace
✔ Supportive team + professional development
✔ Salary $50–65K + full benefits package

Full job description available at: www.therpc.org/

📧 Apply with a brief cover letter + résumé: [email protected]

📍 Position open until filled · EOE

The Rockingham Planning Commission is one of nine regional planning commissions in New Hampshire established by RSA 36:46. The Commission's region consists of twenty-seven communities within Rockingham County. Operating as a regional government organization, the Commission serves in an advisory role...

02/13/2026

01/27/2026

Your voice matters on NH 33 🗣️
NHDOT will hold a hybrid Public Engagement Meeting next week for the NH 33 Corridor Study, covering the corridor from Portsmouth to Stratham.
🗓 Tuesday, January 27, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Stratham Town Offices or join online
Learn about the study, meet the project team, and share feedback that will help inform future transportation planning. An online survey will also be available soon for additional input.
🔗 Virtual meeting link: https://ow.ly/pvav50Y21ht

01/22/2026

We're really proud of Exeter - and all of our communities - that take proactive steps to improve their community and reach their goals!

BEA attended the Select Board meeting yesterday to recognize the Town of Exeter, NH as a New Hampshire Housing Champion. Senator Debra Altschiller for New Hampshire joined BEA leadership and local officials to acknowledge Exeter’s forward thinking on New Hampshire’s housing challenges through planning and local action. Exeter joins nine other NH communities completing Housing Champion designation this session, setting a new standard of community development to expand housing opportunities.

Thank you to Town Planner David Sharples and Rockingham Planning Commission for the commitment and support to Exeter.