New LAND USE CODE in Manchester - Housing Opportunity!

[Andrew Bosco]

As of March 1, 2026, the City’s new Land Use Code officially takes effect — and it’s intentionally designed to encourage more middle-density housing across the city.

Here’s what matters:

• Expanded support for duplexes, small multifamily, and mixed-use buildings
• Clearer zoning districts that allow more housing by right
• A shift away from one-size-fits-all zoning toward neighborhood-appropriate density
• Strong alignment with walkability, downtown growth, and long-term housing supply

This is often called “missing middle housing” — the space between single-family homes and large apartment buildings — and Manchester is leaning into it in a thoughtful, structured way.

For homeowners, this could mean new options you didn’t previously have.

For investors, this creates predictability and opportunity — if you know how to read the code correctly. Personally, I am looking at a handful of my properties and considering ADU's / increase number of units.

For the city, it’s a long-term move toward sustainable growth.

I’ve been spending time inside the actual ordinance — not just summaries — and I’ll be sharing practical takeaways as this rolls out.

If you own property in Manchester or are thinking about investing here, this is worth paying attention to.

Happy to answer questions or dig into specific neighborhoods.