To the Sunapee Community,
The Forward Sunapee Planning & Zoning Committee (FSP&Z) proposed a zoning amendment to update and rename the current Village Commercial District as the Waterfront Village Commercial District. On November 20th, the Sunapee Planning Board voted to recommend, with some modifications, the proposal for inclusion on the March 2026 ballot.
A Planning Board public hearing will be held on December 18th to ensure all voices are heard regarding this proposal. Community engagement sessions with the FSP&Z committee will follow in January and February.
This community-driven, proactive proposal aims to protect one of Sunapee’s most valued areas by encouraging thoughtful residential growth and traditional New England–style commercial development in Sunapee Harbor and along the current commercial areas on the Sugar River.
Below is an overview of the FSP&Z Committee and the key elements of the proposed district. Also visit the Frequently Asked Questions.
Who We Are
The FSP&Z Committee is comprised of volunteer Sunapee residents and business owners with backgrounds in architecture, appraisal, planning, small business, community development, long-term residency and civic involvement.
This proposal reflects feedback from the 2024 Sunapee Charrette and 2025 Master Plan process, as well as ongoing outreach with residents, property owners, and local businesses.
Community members have consistently expressed a need for:
- More year-round resident housing
- A walkable, vibrant year-round village center for residents and visitors alike
- A stronger local economy around the Harbor and Sugar River
A short 5-month summer/fall season challenges local businesses and property owners; year-round activity is important for a healthy commercial district.
Why This Proposal?
Current zoning in the Village Commercial District limits new housing and small business opportunities, including:
- Opportunities for long-term, housing for Sunapee residents, including families, young adults, local
workers and seniors. - Growth of smaller village scale, year-round businesses
- Use of areas already served by water and sewer
With the Planning Board guidance, the updated district aims to remove long-standing barriers while preserving Sunapee’s treasured quintessential New England, rural character.
Key Priorities and Goals
- Expand Year-Round Housing
Enable opportunities for more housing options for Sunapee residents - Support a Sustainable Village Center
Encourage a walkable, lively commercial area with spaces for community gathering. - Protect Purely Residential Neighborhoods
High Street and Central Street areas would move to the Village Residential District. Protecting these
historic neighborhoods from commercialization and increased density. - Strengthen and Highlight Sunapee’s Village Waterfront
Improve connections between Sunapee Harbor and the Sugar River village area. - Maintain New England Village Character
- Voluntary design guidelines reviewed during the Planning Board process to help ensure new
development complements the district’s architecture and historic character.
Proposed Zoning Changes (Summary)
Additional Information
More details are available at: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We hope to see you at the December 18th Planning Board Public Hearing.
David Andrews
Forward Sunapee Planning & Zoning Committee Facilitator