Opinion ID: 2082100
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Enactment of Exeter Zoning Ordinance

Text: [11-14] Plaintiff challenges the 1976 Exeter zoning amendment on the ground that it was enacted without proper notice. Specifically, he contends that the published notice was misleading and failed to apprise members of the community of the ramifications of the proposed amendment. [N]otice requirements are mandatory. R. A. Vachon & Son, Inc. v. City of Concord, 112 N.H. 107, 111, 289 A.2d 646, 649 (1972). The notice must be reasonably sufficient to inform the public of the essence and scope of the zoning regulation under consideration. 1 R. ANDERSON, AMERICAN LAW OF ZONING § 4.14, at 206 (2d ed. 1976); R. A. Vachon & Son, Inc. v. City of Concord, 112 N.H. 107, 289 A.2d 646 (1972); Schadlick v. City of Concord, 108 N.H. 319, 234 A.2d 523 (1967). [T]here is as a matter of necessity a presumption in all cases that an ordinance has been properly passed. 6 E. MCQUILLIN, MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS § 22.34, at 380 (3d rev. ed. 1969); 1 A. RATHKOPF, THE LAW OF ZONING AND PLANNING § 10.14 (4th ed. 1978). Consequently, the plaintiff has the burden to prove the illegality of the notice. [15] The particular notice in question, the second publication, read: An amendment to the Town of Exeter Zoning Map by delineating the boundary lines between districts to follow property lines, streets, rivers, and power lines as shown on the map displayed in the Town Clerk's Office. We regard this notice as legally sufficient to advise the town's populace of the scope of the proposed zoning ordinance. See R. A. Vachon & Son, Inc. v. City of Concord, 112 N.H. 107, 111-12, 289 A.2d 646, 649 (1972) (published notice of terms comprehensive plan held to be adequate.) In addition, the notice stated where the proposed zoning map could be viewed. It is thus clear that the zoning map was to be incorporated by reference as part of the proposed amendment. See Burmore v. Smith, 124 N.J.L. 541, 546, 12 A.2d 353, 355 (1940). The plaintiff does not contend that the map on file was in any way misleading, or that it was substantially different from the zoning map that was finally adopted. In sum, we hold that the notice in question and the zoning map incorporated by reference to the notice were legally adequate to apprise a person of the proposed zoning amendment. The master was correct in upholding the validity of the enactment of the 1976 Exeter zoning amendment. Plaintiff's exceptions overruled; defendant's exceptions sustained.