Board Eyes New 70-Foot Beach Building Height Limit

The Hampton Planning Board will hold public hearings this week on a variety of zoning ordinance amendments, including one that would raise the maximum allotted height for structures on Hampton Beach.

The board is proposing a new 70-foot maximum height for all livable space and an 80-foot maximum height for "unoccupied architectural appurtenances" that extend above the livable space of structures in the town's Business Seasonal District.

The board will seek public comment on the new limits, which will replace the current 50-foot restriction if approved at the March town meeting, during its next meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

The proposed height changes are the result of a process started by town officials after several tall building proposals drew strong reactions and plan rejections from residents and other elected boards.

The zoning ordinance change would also restrict structures from "casting shadows on the sand on the easterly side of Ocean Boulevard prior to 6 p.m. from" May 15 through Sept. 1 each year. Large buildings blocking out the sun on Hampton Beach was a significant concern for many individuals during talks about building height.

A second public hearing on the change will be held on Jan. 8 if necessary.