Bill > HB399

This bill establishes a commission to study the historical evolution of New Hampshire's Zoning Enabling Act, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The commission will consist of 10 members, including legislators, a judicial branch representative, housing policy experts, a municipal government representative, and a public member. The commission's primary objectives are to examine the original intent of the zoning law, assess its current relevance and effectiveness, evaluate the regulatory powers granted to municipalities, and consider potential legislative improvements. Members will investigate the historical context of zoning powers, analyze how courts and local legislators have interpreted these powers, and explore opportunities to align or update zoning and subdivision provisions. The commission is required to submit an interim report by November 1, 2025, and a final report by November 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "municipality" in the energy efficiency and clean energy districts chapter to include unincorporated towns and unorganized places, and changes the effective date of the C-PACER (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Retrofit) program from January 1, 2026, to upon passage of the bill.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0622&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB399