The Kearsarge Lighting Precinct (KLP) was granted the power to enact and enforce zoning regulations within its territorial limits by act of the New Hampshire State Legislature on May 29, 1957. The zoning ordinance was instituted by the local legislative body in 1958 and became effective at that time.

The Lighting Precinct of Kearsarge is considered as one district, namely, a Residential-Agricultural District located in part within the Towns of Conway and Bartlett. The Ordinances of both the Town and the Precinct must be complied with in order to obtain a building permit from the KLP.

The Preamble of the ordinance states, “In pursuance of authority conferred by NH Revised Statutes Annotated 31:60-89. as now amended (see RSA 674:16 et seq.), and for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, prosperity, convenience and general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development of the Lighting Precinct by securing from fire, panic, and other dangers, providing adequate areas between buildings and various rights-of-way, by preserving the rural charm, aesthetics and natural beauty now associated with our village, by controlling the density of housing and the impact of traffic, by promoting good civil design and arrangements, wise and efficient expenditure of public funds, and the adequate provision of public utilities and other public requirements, and by other means, now therefore this ordinance has been hereby enacted by the Local Legislative Body of the Lighting Precinct, Kearsarge, New Hampshire, in official meeting convened.”

Officials

Kearsarge Lighting Precinct officials are listed below, followed by term length. Unless there is a resignation or other compelling circumstance, term years typically start and end at the KLP Annual Meeting, typically held in March.

Board of Commissioners

1. M. Lynn Lyman (2026-2028)

2. Joe DiFiore (2025-2027)

3. Brenda Drew (2024-2026)*
   
   *Ms. Drew was appointed on February 17, 2026 to finish out Sarah Mallett’s term, which was to run from 2024-2026.

Moderator

• Jim Umberger (2025-2026)

Clerk

• Alex Shaffer (2025-2026)

Treasurer

• Peter Donohoe (2025-2026)

Financial Review Officer

• Karen Umberger (2025-2026)

Planning Board Members

• Peter Crane

• M. Lynn Lyman

• Elizabeth Seabury

• Barbara Reilly

• Meredith Wroblewski

• Dan Kennedy

Zoning Board of Adjustment

1. Scott Lee (2023-2026)

2. Ray Porter (2023-2026)

3. Stefan Karnopp, (2023-2026)

4. Mark Bettencourt (2024-2027)

5. Open* (2024-2027)
   
   *John Lamneck (2024-2027) resigned early, on May 30, 2025.

Board Of Adjustment Alternates (up to 5)

1. Jim Umberger (2025-2026)

2. Open (2026-2027)

3. Open (2026-2028)

4. Open (2026-2029)

5. Open (2026-2029)