In New Hampshire, RSA 674:16 gives municipalities the authority to zone. Zoning involves regulating the size, location and use of buildings and other structures for the purpose of promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the community. Traditionally, these purposes are achieved by dividing the municipality into districts with the goal of separating what are thought of as incompatible uses. In each district, some uses are permitted as a right, some are prohibited, and others are allowed only by special exception or conditional or special use permit. More modern zoning techniques, however, encourage mixed use zoning in which residential and commercial uses are permitted in specified districts. (From The Planning Board in New Hampshire, NH Office of Planning and Development)