Bill > HB342

This bill makes two primary changes to existing law. First, it allows property owners to build on their land without seeking a variance for minimum lot size or lot coverage if the proposed building matches the density of the surrounding neighborhood (defined as properties within a 1,000-foot radius) and conforms to the property's zoning. The bill defines "density" as the number of dwelling units per acre or the percentage of lot coverage by buildings and structures, and requires that the proposed building's density match at least 51 percent of the properties in the neighborhood that were built before the bill's effective date. The zoning administrator will be responsible for verifying that the proposed building meets these requirements, and property owners must submit documentation proving their compliance. Second, the bill modifies the process for municipalities to adopt energy-efficient and clean energy districts (C-PACER districts), streamlining the procedures for cities, towns, village districts, and counties to create and potentially dissolve these districts. The bill specifies detailed public notice and hearing requirements, including provisions for voter petition and ensures that existing legal obligations remain in effect even if a district is later dissolved.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0634&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB342