New Hampshire Agriculture Zoning Protection Statute

New Hampshire law restricts how municipalities may regulate agriculture through zoning. RSA 672:1 III-b declares agricultural activities a beneficial use that should not be unreasonably limited. RSA 674:32 requires agriculture to be a permitted use in all zoning districts and prohibits ordinances that effectively prohibit farming. Municipalities may adopt reasonable performance standards on noise, odor, hours, and setbacks, provided they do not bar standard farm practices. Farm stands selling primarily on-farm products are protected as accessory uses.

Local ordinances exceeding RSA 674:32 are subject to challenge as ultra vires; courts may award injunctive relief to farmers.