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ARTICLE 1. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
By the authority conferred by Chapters 672-677 New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated 1986, the zoning regulations and districts as herein set forth and as enacted by the Town of Gilford, New Hampshire in official Town Meeting are in accordance with a master comprehensive plan, designed to lessen street congestion; to secure safety from fires, panic, and other dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to provide and preserve adequate areas between buildings and various rights-of-way; to preserve the rural charm of Gilford; to promote good civic design; to prevent overcrowding of land; avoid over concentration of population; to facilitate adequate provision of transportation, solid waste facilities, water, sewage removal, schools, parks, and other public requirements.
They are made with reasonable consideration of the character of the district and its suitability of the particular uses, and with a view of conserving the value of buildings and encouraging appropriate use of land. The regulations do not apply to existing structures or the existing use of any building, but they shall apply to any alteration of a building for uses for a purpose or in a manner substantially different from the uses before alteration.
This use and zoning ordinance will meet these objectives and thus maintain an attractive, healthy area, allow for efficient use of land and buildings, and enhance the use of citizens’ time for business, recreation, and relaxation. Gilford has a distinct advantage, relative to some other communities, of natural and man-made recreational facilities, natural scenic beauty of forests, mountains, lakes, ponds, streams, and wildlife, and a seeming problem of difficult terrain and inadequate roads. Good planning and design can turn difficult terrain into an advantage, and effective development of some major unused areas can improve the road system for better traffic flow and safety.
The rural charm of Gilford can be maintained only if overly dense concentration of housing, businesses, and industry is avoided. With good planning, small clusters of homes and businesses can be scattered throughout the area, maintaining or improving Gilford's park-like rural atmosphere, and diffusing traffic for minimum impact on the existing residents.
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