Bill > HB1065

This bill modifies zoning regulations to require municipalities to allow multi-family dwelling units on commercially zoned land, provided that adequate infrastructure exists to support the development. The bill defines infrastructure as capital facilities owned or operated by the municipality and gives local planning boards, governing bodies, or building code officers the authority to determine infrastructure adequacy. Municipalities retain the right to restrict residential development in industrial zones and can require ground floor spaces to be dedicated to retail uses. The bill also provides flexibility for converting non-conforming structures to multi-family or mixed-use developments, as long as the structure is not made more non-conforming. Additionally, municipalities must allow adaptive reuse and mixed-use development in a majority of their commercially zoned areas, with discretion to determine specific appropriate locations. The intent of this legislation is to promote housing development and flexibility in land use by reducing barriers to multi-family and mixed-use projects in commercial zones, while still maintaining local control over specific implementation. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and the New Hampshire Municipal Association estimates that municipalities may incur minimal costs (less than $10,000 each) to update local zoning ordinances to comply with the new requirements.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1504&inflect=2