City Code now available in new, searchable format

posted on: 3/9/2020

As part of the City’s overall efforts to improve services to its citizens, the City of Dover has put its complete municipal code online in a new, searchable format. To use the new electronic version of the Code, visit the City’s website at http://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-charter-code/.

The new online Code provides convenient access to the City’s ordinances in a feature-rich format that has been specifically designed for optimal viewing on desktops and laptops as well as smartphones and tablet devices. Partnering with General Code, the City’s online Code offers the most flexible access for its citizens from any location – at home, at work or on-the-go.

Designed to be easy-to-use and search-friendly, the user experience is intuitive and highly functional. By simply entering a keyword or two, search results will provide the information needed within seconds.

“Our new online Code is one more valuable tool for our citizens to gain access to the information they need, when they need it,” said City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. “Convenient, free access to our Code of Laws benefits our citizens, our officials, business leaders and others who want to do business in our city.”

In 2017, the City Council approved a contract with General Code to conduct a comprehensive review and update of the City Code, which was previously updated and recodified in 2013. The contract included General Code’s recommended updates to all chapters of the City code, and a formatted electronic version that is easily searchable. The new database went live this week.

The ordinance approved by the City Council does not include substantial changes to the code, other than providing clarity of language, accurate citation of referenced state statutes, consistency of terminology, and a more accessible and searchable version of the code.

Although General Code does recommend some revisions to the City Charter, which were identified as part of the editorial and legal analysis, Charter revisions will be addressed with the establishment of a Charter Commission and a vote by the public in an upcoming municipal election. The code revisions identified by the Ordinance Committee and City staff will be addressed by a separate City Council resolution and ordinance changes.

For more information, contact the City Clerk's office at 516-6018.