CITY OF ROCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Bid # 18-21

City of Rochester Downtown Density Regulation

BID SPECIFICATIONS

The City of Rochester is seeking consultants to analyze the current zoning ordinance for the Downtown Commercial Zoning District and recommend changes to permit higher density housing structures there. The average parcel of 17,675 square feet limits to three the number of dwelling units per parcel allowed in the district without a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This situation discourages investments in mixed use buildings downtown. The City wants to amend its zoning ordinance to permit greater density as an incentive for developers to invest in the Downtown Commercial District and to entice more residents to live there. (Please see the attached map of the Downtown Commercial District.)

The impact of the current situation is plain to see in the pattern of housing development applications received by the City. In 2016, for example, the City approved over 400 multifamily dwelling units, but none were in the Downtown Commercial Zone. The City needs to offer a wider range of housing options — of different sizes and prices, a mix of ownership and rentals, and a variety of styles — that will appeal to a large cross-section of people to create a vibrant, stronger, more competitive downtown.

Regulations that increase density in the Rochester Downtown Commercial District would also allow the creation of housing to retain and attract young people and young families, provide quality housing options for lower income residents, and accommodate the changing needs of aging segments of the population. Increased density would also have a beneficial impact on the cost of infrastructure and other resources, and it would provide such economic benefits as accessibility to work, entertainment, and all modes of transportation.

This project is being funded through a Municipal Technical Assistance Grant through Plan NH and Community Development Block Grant funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The project must comply with all conditions from Plan NH and all relevant HUD regulations.

1. Project Goal

The goal of this project is to create a set of zoning codes that would be incorporated into chapter 42 of Rochester's General Ordinances, which is the current zoning ordinance. The new codes would guide development in the Downtown Commercial District, ultimately encouraging the creation of an area with a variety of housing types, a high walkability index, and retail and commercial uses. This will be accomplished through careful research and analysis of related issues, rigorous community outreach and engagement in the zoning ordinance revision process, and a robust public comment period and careful City Council deliberation.

The analysis conducted by the selected consultant firm will also cover other parts of the zoning ordinance and related regulations to determine whether any need revision to allow higher density development and to encourage building development and redevelopment in the downtown.