Bill > SB170

This bill aims to streamline development regulations and housing opportunities by implementing several key restrictions on local municipalities' land use and zoning powers. Specifically, the bill prohibits cities, towns, and municipalities from imposing overly restrictive requirements on development activities, such as mandating more stringent septic system and well-siting requirements beyond state environmental standards, limiting road lengths that could impede development, or capping the number of housing lots on dead-end roads. The bill also requires local governments to permit utilities like septic systems, wells, and electric systems to be placed in open spaces or perimeter buffers of subdivisions, with some environmental protections. Additionally, the legislation forbids municipalities from requiring housing unit occupants to be related by blood or marriage, thereby promoting housing flexibility. The bill further limits road frontage requirements and lot line setbacks to no more than 50 feet to improve housing density while maintaining existing environmental and shoreland protection standards. These provisions are designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers to development and increase housing opportunities, with the changes set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1026&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB170