New construction undertaken in an already built-up area is often referred to as “infill development.” It generally occurs on underused properties within a downtown or urban core either by reusing existing buildings, developing on vacant parcels, or demolishing existing buildings to make way for new construction. It can vary in scale from a single residential lot to large industrial sites. Infill can also occur in neighborhoods or along commercial corridors, similarly when the site is vacant or underutilized.
Towns and cities in New Hampshire have taken a variety of approaches to encourage infill development. Many use one or more of the tools listed in RSA 674:21, Innovative Land Use Controls, which are discussed elsewhere in this document. Buildings, of course, have a shelf life, just like everything else in the universe. They are often repurposed and reused (see Adaptive Reuse), but sometimes they are demolished, leaving gaps in our communities. Attracting new development that fits well into those gaps is an ongoing challenge for most cities and towns.
Infill Development can…