Bill > SB231

This bill amends the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) to provide local zoning ordinances with the explicit authority to limit road frontage requirements and setbacks for wetlands and lot lines, with the primary goal of improving housing density. Specifically, the bill allows municipalities to establish zoning rules that cap road frontage requirements and wetlands/lot line setbacks at a maximum of 50 feet, while ensuring these limitations do not compromise existing environmental protections. The new provision requires that such zoning limitations remain consistent with current shoreland protection standards (under RSA 483-B:9) and do not override other established environmental standards (as defined in RSA 489:2). This change is intended to provide local governments with more flexibility in zoning regulations to potentially increase housing development by reducing restrictive land use requirements. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving municipalities time to review and potentially adjust their zoning ordinances accordingly.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=1142&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB231