Bill > SB163

This bill repeals the existing legal authority for local legislative bodies in New Hampshire to establish temporary moratoria or limitations on building permits, subdivision approvals, and site plans. Specifically, the bill removes references to temporary moratoria in two existing statutes related to phased development and planning board powers, and completely eliminates RSA 674:23, which previously allowed municipalities to create such temporary restrictions. The bill maintains other existing methods for managing development, such as growth management ordinances and innovative land use control ordinances, which can still regulate the timing and phasing of development. By removing the ability to impose temporary moratoria, the bill aims to prevent local governments from arbitrarily halting or significantly slowing down construction and development projects. The changes will take effect immediately upon the bill's passage, potentially making it easier for developers to proceed with projects without local legislative bodies being able to impose sudden, temporary stop-gaps on construction and land development.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=1046&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB163