Rural Residential District (R-40). The purpose of this residential district is to provide for conventional single-family neighborhoods in the more rural areas of the City. These areas have larger lot sizes (one or more acres) and the homes are most likely served by on-site septic systems and wells, but there are some portions of the district that have municipal sewer and water. New subdivisions are designed as open space developments with reduced lot sizes allowed in return for the permanent preservation of open space. Agriculture and farming are promoted in this district. Some nonresidential uses that are compatible with single-family homes are permitted, including churches, hospitals, elementary schools, high schools and child-care facilities.

Low-Density Residential District (R-20). The purpose of this residential district is to provide for conventional single-family neighborhoods on lots not less than 20,000 square feet. The homes in this district are likely served by municipal sewer and water, but there are some areas that still have on-site septic systems and wells. These districts are located near major roadways. The development of parcels with at least 15 acres can be done as open space subdivisions. Agriculture and farming are promoted in this district. Some nonresidential uses that are compatible with single-family homes are permitted, including churches, elementary schools, high schools and child-care facilities.

Medium-Density Residential District (R-12). The purpose of this residential district is to provide for conventional single-family neighborhoods on lots not less than 12,000 square feet. The homes in this district are almost all served by municipal sewer and water. Many of the neighborhoods surrounding the elementary schools are in this district and have a sidewalk system that is conducive to children walking to school. The development of parcels with at least five acres can be done as open space subdivisions. Some nonresidential uses that are compatible with single-family homes are permitted, including churches, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and child-care facilities.

Suburban Density Multi-Residential District (RM-SU) The purpose of this residential district is to provide an environment suitable for a variety of moderate-density housing types, including single-family, two-family, three- to four-family and multifamily dwellings. These districts are suburban neighborhoods located along major roadways outside of the center of the City. The homes in this district are almost all served by municipal sewer and water. Some nonresidential uses that are compatible with residences are permitted, including churches, elementary schools, high schools, and child-care facilities.

Urban Density Multi-Residential District (RM-U). The purpose of this residential district is to provide an environment suitable for a variety of moderate/high-density housing types, including single-family, two-family, and three- to four-family dwellings. These districts are urban neighborhoods located close to the downtown area and contain many historic homes that are built close to the sidewalks and streets. The homes in this district are all served by municipal sewer and water. Some nonresidential uses that are compatible with residences are permitted, including churches, funeral parlors, elementary schools, high schools, and child-care facilities.

Heritage Residential District (HR).

Commercial District (C). The purpose of this business district is to provide an environment that encourages efficient and attractive automobile-oriented commercial development along major highways outside of the downtown. The minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet encourages moderately sized commercial uses. The district provides economic development opportunities for a mix of land uses, including retail sales, personal services, restaurants, automobile sales, hotels, offices, banks, and theaters. Other commercial uses and multifamily dwellings are allowed by special exception.

Commercial Manufacturing District (CM). The purpose of this industrial district is to provide appropriate locations for manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, packaging, distribution, storage, warehousing, wholesaling and shipping activities that expand the economic base of the City and provide employment opportunities. This area is the location of one of the first industrial parks in the City, located off Littleworth Road and Knox Marsh Road in a more rural area. The smaller minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet also encourages business uses such as publishing, hotels, vehicle refueling/recharging stations, restaurants, car sales, offices, and personal services.

Innovative Technology (IT). The purpose of this district is to provide appropriate locations for manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, packaging, distribution, laboratory, testing facility, warehousing, wholesaling, publishing and shipping activities that expand the economic base of the City and provide employment opportunities. These areas are located along major collector roads away from the downtown area. The newer business parks are located in this district. The minimum lot size in this district is two acres, which encourages larger assembling and manufacturing users.

Gateway (G). The purpose of this district is to mark a transition point where you move from the less developed area (the highway, the rural landscape, etc.) to a more formal, densely developed urban core (multistory buildings, civic buildings, etc.). In Dover the primary Gateways (e.g., Central Avenue north and south of the downtown core, Broadway, and Portland Avenue) are generally dominated by commercial activity, with buildings of a lower height than those located downtown. Some residual residential activity occurs occasionally as stand-alone buildings, but frequently residential activity is located above ground-floor commercial uses. A modest distance between the building and the street exists, with a fair amount of landscaping.

Hospital (H). The purpose of the Hospital District is to provide appropriate locations for hospitals and medical offices associated with a hospital. This district also encourages other health care services and various housing facilities providing levels of service for older persons. Single- and two-family residential uses are permitted along with commercial uses such as offices, banks, funeral parlors, assembly halls, and schools.

Little Bay Waterfront District (LBW). The purpose of this mixed-use district is to provide locations for a mixture of residential and commercial uses on the waterfront parcels along a portion of the shores of the Little Bay. The small minimum lot size encourages a mix of various-sized commercial uses, with water-related uses, such as marinas, specifically permitted. Single- and two-family homes are allowed in recognition of the historically residential use of the area. Three- or four-family dwellings are allowed only as part of a mixed-use building. Businesses that take advantage of the unique location along Little Bay are encouraged.

Office District (O). The purpose of this Office District is to provide appropriate locations for a mixture of residential and office uses along higher-volume streets. The remaining large historic homes are no longer suitable for single-family residential due to the high traffic. This district is a transition area between the more commercial areas and the urban residential areas on the side streets. Residential uses up to four dwelling units per structure are permitted, along with commercial uses such as offices, banks, funeral parlors, churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes and congregate-care facilities. The density for residential uses is about eight units per acre, and in new buildings, residential is only allowed on the second floor or higher.

Central Business District (CBD). The purpose of this district is to provide the appropriate locations for context-sensitive zoning. The form-based code in this district is intended to foster a vital main street both for itself and for its adjacent neighborhoods through a lively mix of uses, with shop fronts, sidewalk cafes, and other commercial uses at street level, overlooked by canopy shade trees, upper-story residences and offices. The district has an increased emphasis on the form and placement of structures and a decreased emphasis on the function(s) contained within them.

Cochecho Waterfront District (CWD). The purpose of this mixed-use district is to provide appropriate locations for a mixture of residential and commercial uses on the waterfront parcels along the downtown portion of the Cochecho River. This district has very flexible dimensional requirements, with no minimum lot size, frontage or setback requirements and a density of 43 dwelling units per acre. Several water-related land uses are permitted in the district, including marinas, waterborne passenger transportation facilities and water-related education and resource centers. The architecture of the waterfront areas should encourage the development of marine-, history- or tourism-related land uses and activities, which take advantage of the unique characteristics of the waterfront as well as its central location and proximity to historic areas.