Zoning Restrictions: Manchester vs Nashua
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Manchester, NH and Nashua, NH?
Manchester has fewer restrictions than Nashua.
Manchester, NH
Hillsborough County
Manchester regulates home-based businesses through local zoning ordinances under RSA 674. New Hampshire's business-friendly environment and lack of income tax support home enterprises with minimal barriers.
View full Manchester rules →Nashua, NH
Hillsborough County
Nashua Land Use Code Sec. 190-20 (Article VI Supplemental Use Regulations) permits home occupations in residential districts in two tiers. A Minor Home Occupation allows no nonresident employees and up to 20 percent of dwelling floor area or 200 sq ft (whichever is less), reviewed administratively by the Administrative Officer. A Major Home Occupation allows 1 nonresident employee and up to 30 percent of floor area or 300 sq ft (whichever is less), except child day care which may use up to 420 sq ft, and requires Zoning Board of Adjustment approval as a special exception.
View full Nashua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Manchester | Nashua |
|---|---|---|
| State License | No general state license needed | - |
| DBA Required | RSA 349:1 for trade names | - |
| No Income Tax | NH has no state income tax | - |
| Space Limit | 25 to 50% of home floor area | - |
| Code Reference | - | Nashua Land Use Code Sec. 190-20 |
| Minor Home Occupation Sq Ft Cap | - | 20% of dwelling or 200 sq ft (lesser) |
| Minor Nonresident Employees | - | 0 |
| Major Home Occupation Sq Ft Cap | - | 30% or 300 sq ft (420 sq ft for day care) |
| Major Nonresident Employees | - | 1 maximum |
| Minor Review | - | Administrative Officer (Certificate of Use) |
| Major Review | - | Zoning Board of Adjustment (Special Exception) |
| Daily Penalty (RSA 676:17) | - | $275 first / $550 subsequent |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Manchester FAQ
Do I need a permit to run a business from home?
Check Manchester zoning for home occupation rules. NH requires no state business license, but a DBA filing may be needed under RSA 349:1.
How does NH's no income tax affect home businesses?
New Hampshire has no personal income tax on earned income, making it favorable for home-based businesses compared to neighboring states.
Nashua FAQ
Can I run a business out of my Nashua home?
Yes, in one of two tiers. A Minor Home Occupation under Nashua Land Use Code Sec. 190-20 allows no nonresident employees and up to 20 percent of the dwelling's gross floor area or 200 sq ft (whichever is less) and is approved administratively by the Administrative Officer with a Certificate of Use and Occupancy. A Major Home Occupation allows 1 nonresident employee, up to 30 percent of floor area or 300 sq ft (420 sq ft for licensed child day care) and requires a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Both tiers must be carried on entirely within the principal dwelling and must not change the residential character of the property.
Does New Hampshire preempt Nashua's home business rules?
No. Unlike Florida (HB 403, 2021) or Arizona (HB 2333, 2017), New Hampshire has not enacted a Home-Based Business Protection Act. NH RSA 674:17 (zoning enabling) and RSA 674:16 leave home-occupation regulation to local zoning. Nashua's two-tier framework in Sec. 190-20 controls — separately from the state ADU mandate in RSA 674:71-:73 (which only governs accessory dwelling units, not home businesses).
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