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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council’s Planning, Licenses and Development Committee has unanimously recommended approval of a zoning amendment that updates the city’s definition of “family” to comply with a recent change in New Hampshire law.
During its meeting Wednesday night, the committee voted to send the proposed ordinance to the full City Council after city planning staff explained that a 2025 state law prohibits municipalities from regulating housing based on whether residents are related by blood, marriage or legal status.
Keene’s current zoning regulations contain a definition of family that is no longer enforceable under the new state requirements. The proposed amendment would replace that language with a “functional family” definition that focuses on how people live together as a household rather than on familial relationships.
Planning staff told councilors the change will have broader implications throughout the city’s Land Development Code, including regulations governing short-term rentals and congregate living arrangements. Additional amendments are expected as the city continues reviewing local ordinances to ensure compliance with state law.
Committee members also discussed how concerns related to occupancy limits and overcrowding will increasingly be addressed through building, fire, health and safety regulations rather than zoning restrictions tied to family relationships.
The recommendation now heads to the full City Council for consideration.
The family definition change is closely tied to the city’s ongoing review of regulations for short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo properties.
City officials have proposed two ordinances that would formally establish short-term rentals as an allowed use within the Land Development Code. While approximately 50 short-term rental properties currently operate in Keene, the city’s zoning regulations do not specifically define or address the use.
Under the proposed language, a short-term rental would be defined as a dwelling offered for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days in exchange for compensation. The proposal would allow both owner-occupied and non-hosted rentals in residential districts.
City planners have previously said the short-term rental regulations became necessary as a result of the family definition change. Without a separate classification for short-term rentals, many existing properties could become nonconforming once the city adopts the revised family definition.
Officials have emphasized that the proposed regulations are intended to provide clarity and establish basic operating standards while preserving opportunities for property owners to generate income.
Among the proposed requirements, short-term rentals located in residential neighborhoods would be required to maintain a residential appearance, and non-hosted rentals would need a local contact person available to address maintenance issues or complaints.
City staff have said Keene has received relatively few complaints related to existing short-term rentals and that the number of such properties has remained fairly stable in recent years. They have also noted that existing ordinances governing noise, property maintenance and public safety would continue to apply to short-term rental properties.
The proposed short-term rental ordinances remain under review. A public workshop on the proposals is scheduled for July 13, when residents, property owners and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback before the City Council considers any final action.