Frequently Asked Questions

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25 feet in the side and rear yards.  Front yard setback is 35 feet in the Single Family Residential (SFR) and Commercial (C) zones, and 50 feet in all other zones.  Only docks and boathouses may be placed within 50 feet of Lake Winnipesaukee.
By statute we may take up to 30 days for a residential permit and 60 days for a non-residential permit, but we try to have permits ready much quicker.  See R.S.A. 676:13.
In most cases, yes, you can rebuild your house in the same footprint, but not in all cases.  Contact the office for an answer regarding your specific situation.  Also, see Article 9 in the Zoning Ordinance.
No, the town cannot get involved in such matters.  If a neighbor cuts your trees, installs a driveway on your property, or does other similar things, it is a private matter between property owners.  The town would only be involved in regulatory issues such as permitting and inspections.
In most cases, yes, you can build on an existing non-conforming lot.  You must first obtain a driveway permit, secure septic approval or a sewer permit, and meet all current setbacks.  Please call or visit the office for a determination for your specific situation.
No notice is required to build a house and none is provided.  A building permit is required, but not a public notice.  No notice is required for a commercial building permit either, although abutters are notified when the Planning Board reviews a commercial site plan which is required before the town will issue a commercial building permit.
Yes, a building permit is needed for a fence.  The fence must be placed one (1) foot from the property line unless it is a common fence and the neighbor agrees to placing the fence on the property line.  You do not have to place the “good” side toward your neighbor (although a spite fence is not allowed – see R.S.A. 476:1 to 476:3).
There are eight (8) zones in Gilford in various locations around the town.  Four (4) zones are residential, three (3) are commercial, and one (1) is industrial.  All islands except Governor’s Island are zoned Island Residential (IR).  All of Governor’s Island is zoned Single Family Residential (SFR).  For other zoning information, please contact the office.
The Historic District generally includes all lots fronting along Schoolhouse Hill Road, along Belknap Mountain Road from Gilford Avenue to the schools, along Tannery Hill Road, and along part of Potter Hill Road.  The regulations of the Historic District require property owners to have all outside building and site changes first approved by the Historic District Commission.  For specific boundaries and regulation information, please contact the office.  Also, see Article 14 in the Zoning Ordinance.

Town of Gilford, NH

47 Cherry Valley Rd. Gilford, NH 03249

(603) 527-4700