Committee Summary for House Committee on Housing (01/22/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1065 00:34:59.760 - 9:03:36 AM	Public Hearing	relative to multi-family and mixed-use development in commercially zoned areas.	Preece, David(D)[CT]2025
HBUNKNOWN(ACCESSORYDWELLINGUNITS) 01:01:57.280 - 9:30:34 AM	Public Hearing	relative to accessory dwelling units	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB1136 01:06:38.559 - 9:35:15 AM	Public Hearing	relative to accessory dwelling units.	Turcotte, Len(R)[B]2025
HB1145 01:37:22.080 - 10:05:59 AM	Public Hearing	relative to affordable housing investment fees.	Preece, David(D)[CT]2025
HB1349 02:03:24.719 - 10:32:01 AM	Public Hearing	relative to exemptions from multi-family zoning requirements for small or low-density communities.	Meuse, David(D)[F]2025
HB1496 03:08:45.920 - 11:37:22 AM	Public Hearing	repealing the cap on residential parking spaces.	Andrus, Louise(R)[C+]2025
HB1496 03:21:58.640 - 11:50:35 AM	Executive Session	repealing the cap on residential parking spaces.	Andrus, Louise(R)[C+]2025
HB1349 03:24:04.720 - 11:52:41 AM	Executive Session	relative to exemptions from multi-family zoning requirements for small or low-density communities.	Meuse, David(D)[F]2025
HB1525 03:31:37.279 - 12:00:14 PM	Public Hearing	relative to zoning restrictions concerning dwelling unit occupancy.	Burton, Wayne(D)[F]2025
HB1525 04:09:59.920 - 12:38:36 PM	Executive Session	relative to zoning restrictions concerning dwelling unit occupancy.	Burton, Wayne(D)[F]2025
HB1540 04:12:31.520 - 12:41:08 PM	Public Hearing	establishing uniform requirements for accessory dwelling units and providing municipalities with authority and guidance for zoning, permitting, and environmental protections.	Fracht, David(D)[D-]2025
HB1079 05:04:08.080 - 1:32:45 PM	Public Hearing	allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures.	Howland, Allan(D)[F]2025
HB13 05:34:35.680 - 2:03:12 PM	Public Hearing	relative to community revitalization tax relief incentive	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB120 06:10:43.280 - 2:39:20 PM	Public Hearing	relative to transferring statutory authority from the department of education to the department of military affairs and veterans services regarding educational support services.	Creighton, James(R)[B+]2025
HB1120 06:29:34.080 - 2:58:11 PM	Public Hearing	allowing subdivision regulations concerning water supply.	McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025

HB1065: Representative David Priest, Manchester Support00:34:59.760 - 9:03:36 AM; Representative David Priest introduces HB 1065, which clarifies that multi-family and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land to address the housing shortage without stripping local control. The bill defines infrastructure standards, protects municipal discretion, encourages adaptive reuse, and requires municipalities to allow such housing in a majority of commercially zoned land while preserving areas for commercial use. It removes uncertainty and unlocks existing land for housing where infrastructure and jobs are already present.
HB1065: Brody Deets, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support00:37:54.240 - 9:06:31 AM; Brody Deets supports HB 1065 as a priority bill, appreciating the clarifications on multi-family residential development tied to site plan review and allowed by right in commercial zones. He favors the broader definition of infrastructure including capital facilities for impact fees, clearer language on non-conforming structures for adaptive reuse without making them more non-conforming, and the discretion for municipalities to designate majority areas for residential or adaptive reuse while preserving commercial opportunities. He notes ongoing discussions for compromise language on related bills.
HB1065: Ivy Van, Certified Planner Oppose00:40:35.040 - 9:09:12 AM; Ivy Van opposes HB 1065 due to the infrastructure language, arguing that adequate infrastructure can be provided without requiring municipal systems, such as private water and septic. She believes this requirement unnecessarily restricts repurposing of properties and recommends voting against the bill, noting recent changes to similar laws should be given time to work.
HB1065: Chris Freeman, Keene, NH (housing provider in Keene, Walpole, Lebanon) Support00:42:59.119 - 9:11:36 AM; Chris Freeman generally supports HB 1065 but suggests amendments. He concerns that the infrastructure definition references impact fee facilities like libraries, which are not typical development constraints, and supports including private utilities and septic. He finds the adaptive reuse language too restrictive, as minor changes like stair towers could be seen as increasing non-conformity, potentially freezing buildings in place. He believes modest clarifications can address these issues without undermining the bill's goals of streamlining language and increasing clarity for housing projects.
HBUNKNOWN(ACCESSORYDWELLINGUNITS): Unknown Speaker Information Only01:01:57.280 - 9:30:34 AM; The speaker explains that the bill clarifies and simplifies definitions and wording while recapturing municipal control over growth. On page one, lines 2, 9, and 11 simplify by removing strikethroughs. Line 16 changes accessory dwelling units in single-family zones from as-of-right to conditional use or special exception for more municipal control. Line 26 allows more than one unit without change. The speaker suggests amending the next line from 'may prohibit' to 'may not prohibit' accessory units on multiple single-family dwellings like townhouses to avoid forcing acceptance only on single-family properties and to respect protective covenants, criticizing 'yet bees' (yes in their backyard). On page two, line 4 changes to permitted accessory use; line 6 replaces 'statute' with 'municipal ordinance'; clarifies detached units. Line 18 allows municipalities to require parking not more restrictive than for single-family dwellings. Line 22 replaces 'adequate' with 'necessary' for less subjectivity, and the bottom rewords for clarity.
HB1136: Representative Turkot Support01:06:38.559 - 9:35:15 AM; Explains proposed changes to the ADU bill, including eliminating the 950 sq ft minimum for attached units and setting a 750 ft minimum and maximum, while detached units remain at 950 sq ft. Emphasizes that ADUs were intended for family or in-law apartments, not rentals, and removes RSA requirements for detached units. Notes towns can still allow up to three ADUs if desired. Responds to questions on attached vs. detached definitions, like breezeways, and defends municipal zoning discretion over state-mandated zoning. Argues against turning ADUs into rental propositions amid debated housing crisis.
HB1136: Representative Aaron Information Only01:08:07.039 - 9:36:44 AM; Asks Representative Turkot about the difference between attached and detached ADUs, specifically if a breezeway connection would classify it as attached or detached.
HB1136: Representative Reed Oppose01:09:23.198 - 9:38:00 AM; Shares a constituent story about converting a detached garage into an ADU for an aging mother, highlighting past municipal restrictions. Questions the legitimate municipal interest in disallowing ADUs in pre-existing structures during a housing crisis, as they don't increase density. Challenges reverting to older laws and argues for more rental units from small owners to address the 60,000-unit shortage, criticizing the shift from family-focused to rental opposition.
HB1136: Representative Turkot (response) Information Only01:10:26.080 - 9:39:03 AM; Responds that the bill's changes wouldn't prevent converting pre-existing structures and that municipalities retain decision-making on attached/detached. Reiterates focus on municipal zoning vs. state mandates, questions the housing crisis narrative, and suggests inflating shortage numbers for emphasis.
HB1136: Representative Turkot (additional) Information Only01:12:36.640 - 9:41:13 AM; Mentions an article from New Hampshire Business Review on Massachusetts developers eyeing New Hampshire, submitted to the record.
HB1136: Brody Dease, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:13:43.360 - 9:42:20 AM; Association neutral on original ADU law but seeks more local discretion or repeal. Supports mandating detached ADUs by right but needs guardrails for neighborhood impacts. Discusses clerical updates to attached/detached definitions, flexibility in residential districts, local septic ordinances, distinguishing manufactured housing, uniform parking requirements based on bedrooms, and aesthetic standards. Responds to questions on current parking differences and proposals aligning with septic capacity.
HB1136: Representative (question on parking) Information Only01:17:24.800 - 9:46:01 AM; Asks if current law treats ADU parking differently from residential parking and how.
HB1136: Representative Thaxton Information Only01:19:18.320 - 9:47:55 AM; Seeks clarification on proposal requiring parking spaces based on bedrooms, e.g., four for a four-bedroom house.
HB1136: Stephanie Skyler, AARP Oppose01:20:04.640 - 9:48:41 AM; Represents 212,000 AARP members; bill's modifications make ADUs impossible to build. ADUs address housing shortage, support caregivers, aging in place, intergenerational living, affordable options, and workforce needs. Urges not passing the bill to avoid stepping backwards.
HB1136: Representative (question) Information Only01:21:12.080 - 9:49:49 AM; Requests testimonials on new law's effectiveness for aging in place.
HB1136: Representative New Information Only01:22:12.880 - 9:50:49 AM; Asks if caregivers under kinship relationships must be related; notes elderly owners may rent to non-relatives for income.
HB1136: Ivy Van Still Oppose01:23:20.080 - 9:51:57 AM; Opposes bill as regressive, taking steps backwards on ADUs. Criticizes requiring kinship relationships as unenforceable and ridiculous, similar to owner-occupancy issues. Argues for by-right legality to encourage ADUs without special permits; notes they're not cheap or easy to build, so no overrun risk.
HB1136: Matt Mayberry, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose01:24:34.800 - 9:53:11 AM; Calls bill 'death by a thousand cuts' to ADUs. Opposes special permits for by-right ADUs, owner-occupancy requirements, and onerous aesthetic restrictions. Supports local control for multiple ADUs. Notes existing prohibitions on condominiums and manufactured housing. Suggests defining ADUs to exclude pop-up campers but opposes bill's approach.
HB1136: Gary Dario, Community Associations Institute Information Only01:27:40.320 - 9:56:17 AM; Neutral on bill but requests including condominiums in exemptions for ADUs on multi-unit properties (lines 26-28). Explains associations lack space, individual ownership of land, and capacity for additional units without impacting assessments and voting. Responds to questions confirming current law prohibits it and no known instances of attempts.
HB1136: Representative Reed (question) Information Only01:33:37.120 - 10:02:14 AM; Challenges 'don't mass up New Hampshire' with data on NH's growing homelessness surpassing Massachusetts per capita, questioning if MA might advise NH similarly.
HB1136: Gary Dario (response) Information Only01:34:32.960 - 10:03:09 AM; Agrees generally on preserving state character but notes unfamiliarity with article; acknowledges housing issues exist but not studied in depth.
HB1136: Karen Susi, New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Association Oppose01:34:49.679 - 10:03:26 AM; Opposes treating manufactured housing differently from site-built ADUs; difference is construction, not quality; manufactured housing is cost-effective.
HB1136: Representative Priest Support01:35:43.280 - 10:04:20 AM; Introduces HB145 on local choice for affordable housing fees. Addresses housing crisis impacts like overcrowded schools and workforce shortages. Bill authorizes optional, structured fees for developments not meeting inclusionary requirements; funds segregated, audited, restricted—not mandates.
HB1145: Representative Priest Support01:37:22.080 - 10:05:59 AM; Representative Priest explains that the fees from HB1145 can only be invested in affordable housing through specified authorities like the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority or qualified nonprofits. The bill includes defined timing for fee collection, flexibility in payment, an appeals process, and waivers. It is not a blank check but provides guardrails and accountability. Growth impacts communities, and without affordable housing, costs shift to taxpayers via higher taxes and lost workers. The bill allows local reinvestment, is pro-housing, pro-local control, and pro-taxpayer. Urges Ought to Pass.
HB1145: Chris Freeman, housing provider in Keene Oppose01:41:17.199 - 10:09:54 AM; Chris Freeman opposes HB1145, arguing New Hampshire has a general housing shortage at all price points, not just affordable. Suppressing market-rate and luxury development leads to competition that disadvantages lower-income applicants via filtering. Affordable housing has robust funding tools like LIHTC and grants, but constraints are zoning and permitting, not funding. Adding fees burdens market-rate developers, who lack subsidies, and turns inclusionary zoning punitive without caps or nexus, inviting legal challenges. This raises housing costs when barriers should be reduced. Urges Inexpedient to Legislate.
HB1145: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support01:50:37.679 - 10:19:14 AM; Brody Dees supports HB1145, noting it mirrors impact fees with a nexus test to ensure fees reflect affordable housing needs identified in master plans. With state budget cuts, this provides revenue for affordable projects. Fees must be reasonable, meet constitutional tests, and unused funds can be returned to developers. Includes waiver processes. Luxury development filters slowly (20-30 years), but workforce needs affordable housing now. Suggests amendment from HB108 as alternative. Open to caps for passage but emphasizes active use of funds.
HB1145: Matt Mayberry, CEO New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose01:55:45.760 - 10:24:22 AM; Matt Mayberry opposes HB1145 as a tax that drives up living costs. Municipalities already impose high impact fees ($1,000-$9,281 for single-family homes, similar for condos and manufactured homes) for various uses, increasing mortgages. No specifics on distribution or qualifications; it's nebulous. To achieve attainable housing, stop adding fees, which total $40-50k in licensing and permits per project. Urges against trusting municipalities without consumer input.
HB1145: Ivy Van, planner Oppose01:58:58.639 - 10:27:35 AM; Ivy Van recommends against HB1145 without guardrails on fee amounts and fund destinations (should go to NHFA for lending). Mandatory inclusionary zoning raises costs, kills small projects (under 40 units, infeasible for LIHTC due to scale). Smaller infill projects (6-12 units) are appropriate but hard to finance; collecting fees per unit would doom them. Needs clear caps and fund uses if passed.
HB1145: Representative Cole, Hillsborough 26 Information Only02:02:01.520 - 10:30:38 AM; Representative Cole introduces HB1349 relative to exemptions for multifamily zoning requirements for small or low density communities on behalf of Representative Muse. Provides no further details and declines questions.
HB1349: Paul Dashaine, Board of Selectmen, Newington Support02:03:24.719 - 10:32:01 AM; Paul Dashaine represents the Board of Selectmen of Newington and explains that they requested the introduction of HB1349 to address an unintended consequence of HB631, which removed the distinction between rural and urban commercial districts, undermining local control. He uses the example of the Prescott Park development in Portsmouth, a 26-acre site with 360 units that could add up to 720 people, representing 90% of Newington's population of 800, compared to only 3% of Portsmouth's. This would dramatically increase service demands, operating costs, and potentially school enrollment in small towns like Newington, which has planned residential on the west side of Route 16 to separate incompatible uses. He urges passage of HB1349 to correct the disparate impact on smaller communities.
HB1349: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose02:09:35.840 - 10:38:12 AM; Matt Mayberry opposes HB1349, noting that Newington's average home cost is $1.1 million, making it unaffordable, and local zoning can already address issues. He argues that the bill's density threshold of 250 residents per square mile would exempt 58.5% of the state, limiting housing development to only cities and a few towns like Bedford and Brookline, hindering statewide attainable housing efforts. He emphasizes that all 234 municipalities need to participate.
HB1349: Nate Grace, BIA Oppose02:12:04.800 - 10:40:41 AM; Nate Grace opposes the bill, viewing it as based on a single potential project in one town, better handled locally rather than through statewide legislation. He notes that only cities and a few high-density towns like Bedford and Brookline would be affected, potentially concentrating development there and creating a regulatory arms race. In response to questions, he agrees that prohibiting density could increase sprawl, forcing workers in places like Portsmouth to commute from afar, such as Concord, due to neighboring towns blocking development.
HB1349: Ivy Van Oppose02:16:09.119 - 10:44:46 AM; Ivy Van recommends voting against HB1349, arguing it won't achieve its intended goals and will drive car-dependent sprawl by eliminating higher-density options in logical locations.
HB1349: Nick Taylor, Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Oppose02:17:18.718 - 10:45:55 AM; Nick Taylor opposes HB1349, highlighting that the bill retains local flexibility on height, density, and setbacks under existing law. He stresses that implementation varies by region, such as the Seacoast versus northern areas, and the bill promotes mixed-use development where infrastructure exists without mandating specifics.
HB1349: Representative Louise Andrews, Merrimack County District 5 (Andover, Danbury, Hill, Salisbury, Webster) Support03:02:01.520 - 11:30:38 AM; Representative Andrews introduces HB1496, arguing that municipalities should decide parking requirements per housing unit, as one-size-fits-all mandates don't suit all areas, from Bethlehem to Nashua. She notes that past zoning rights, established since 1925, have been overridden by state mandates, unfairly removing local voter decisions. In response to questions, she affirms towns should use parking to zone out unwanted development, warning that insufficient spaces lead to taxpayer costs for additional parking, and criticizes laws favoring developers amid rapid growth without adequate state-local coordination.
HB1496: Unknown Speaker Information Only03:08:45.920 - 11:37:22 AM; The speaker discusses parking requirements for multi-family units, noting that current law allows only two spaces for five to seven units, leading to insufficient parking and street congestion. Towns should be able to require adequate parking to avoid wasting resources on public parking areas.
HB1496: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support03:09:40.800 - 11:38:17 AM; Brody Dees supports HB1496, which removes the stringent one parking spot per unit requirement. He references a 2023 compromise of 1.5 spots for 10+ units but argues one spot is unrealistic given most residents drive to work. The bill allows local flexibility, varying by zoning district. He suggests tying parking to bedrooms for fairness, especially with group living mandates, to prevent overflow parking burdens on taxpayers and inefficient land use. Long-term, it promotes better planning without blanket mandates.
HB1496: Nick Taylor, Housing Action New Hampshire Oppose03:13:33.120 - 11:42:10 AM; Nick Taylor opposes the bill, arguing parking reform enables right-sized parking rather than no parking. Blanket requirements lead to unnecessary paving, fewer units, and impervious surfaces. Developers like Avesta Housing and Elm Grove already assess needs, finding 0.9-1.2 spots sufficient. The debate is about who decides—market data shows flexibility works without state intervention.
HB1496: Chris Freeman, Housing Provider from Keene/Walpole in Lebanon Oppose03:16:11.600 - 11:44:48 AM; Chris Freeman urges ITL for HB1496, which would repeal the one-space cap, allowing excessive municipal parking minimums that consume land and suppress housing. He addresses local control: property owners best judge needs, bearing risks. Not anti-car, but supports less parking in walkable areas like urban infill for human-scale communities. The cap enables market-driven decisions without abolishing parking.
HB1496: Ivy Van Oppose03:19:28.640 - 11:48:05 AM; Ivy Van urges ITL for HB1496, citing anecdotes from her four rental units and a 14-unit townhouse in Peterborough. Developers will provide adequate parking (e.g., 1.5 spots) based on needs; underestimation risks shortages. She has encouraged parking maximums to prevent excess, arguing the bill unnecessarily restricts sensible development.
HB1496: Committee Discussion and Vote Vote03:21:58.640 - 11:50:35 AM; Representative Paige moves ITL, criticizing the bill as an 'anything goes' approach reverting years backward, potentially allowing excessive parking like 12 spaces per unit. Representative Reed supports, clarifying state restraint protects individuals from town mandates, not imposing them. The motion passes 16-0 on consent calendar.
HB1349: Committee Discussion and Vote Vote03:24:04.720 - 11:52:41 AM; Chairman moves ITL, noting sponsor absence but testimony from Newington seeking exemption from by-right housing. He deems it unfair to restrict one community while others comply; supports RSA 631 as bipartisan. Representative Howland highlights Newington's development like Fox Run Mall redevelopment, ideal for housing. Representative Hicks frustrations with local control vs. state mandates, cities absorbing burdens. Representative Reed agrees, noting proximity to Portsmouth and need for multifamily. Motion passes 16-0 on consent calendar.
HB1525: Representative Wayne Burton, Durham Town Council Support03:31:37.279 - 12:00:14 PM; Representative Burton introduces HB1525 as a mild change allowing congregate housing in select residential districts, responding to Durham's housing pressures. Balances local culture with broader options; defers details to next speakers like Sally Tobias.
HB1525: Sally Tobias, Durham Planning Board Support03:34:06.479 - 12:02:43 PM; Sally Tobias supports the bill, detailing Durham's housing task force efforts to add duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes amid fears of student housing. Recent laws eliminating 'three unrelated' limits have led to substandard conversions like rooming houses, straining infrastructure. The bill provides wiggle room for compatible zoning, preventing backlash and enabling quality housing without uncontrolled dormitory-style setups.
HB1525: Ivy Van Oppose03:48:40.000 - 12:17:17 PM; Ivy Van opposes HB1525 as a solution in search of a problem. Towns like Durham can enact local ordinances for boarding houses with restrictions like square footage per person. The bill creates turmoil without solving issues; international building codes already ensure space standards.
HB1525: Chris Freeman, Housing Provider in Keene Oppose03:49:50.000 - 12:18:27 PM; Chris Freeman opposes, noting the bill restricts unrelated occupancy, potentially excluding poor singles. Shared housing ranges from high-density to dignified co-living like his color-coordinated apartments, affordable at 30th percentile income. Restricting based on relatedness discriminates against individuals.
HB1525: Rebecca Smith Oppose03:53:01.680 - 12:21:38 PM; Rebecca Smith opposes after clarification that the bill allows capping at two unrelated per bedroom. She values roommate flexibility for growing families and job searches; shared living enabled her move to NH. Questions impacts on unmarried couples, foster kids, and fair housing.
HB1525: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support03:57:19.439 - 12:25:56 PM; Brody Dees supports as a Durham request, scaling back mandates to majority multifamily-zoned areas. Current law forces conversions of family homes to dorms, stressing septic and infrastructure. Clarifies domestic partners count as one unit; targets per-bedroom leases in single-family zones, not boarding houses.
HB1525: Mary Smith Oppose04:01:57.439 - 12:30:34 PM; Mary Smith opposes, sharing challenges of family growth via roommates. RSAs progress affordability; bill reverses by limiting options for low-income. Questions relatedness for partnerships, foster kids; notes potential illegal past evictions now legalized, risking discrimination.
HB1525: Representative Reinford Oppose04:09:59.920 - 12:38:36 PM; Representative Reinford moved for ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) on HB1525, arguing that the bill addresses one town's problems statewide, creates unnecessary regulations that hinder additional housing development, and that new nuisances should be handled individually rather than through broad legislation.
HB1540: Representative David Frack, Grafton 16, Enfield Support04:12:31.520 - 12:41:08 PM; Representative Frack introduced HB1540, requested by New Hampshire Lakes, to amend RSA 674:72 and 674:73, allowing municipal regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within the 250-foot protected shoreland area. Drawing from 24 years of land use experience, he explained the historical development of lakeshores, from primitive camps with direct sewage discharge to modern regulations protecting water quality. He noted that many seasonal camps have been replaced by high-value year-round homes, and ADUs often serve as guest quarters rather than affordable housing. The bill empowers local officials to assess site-specific conditions like soil for septic loads, impervious surfaces, and stormwater, enabling appropriate ADU approvals while minimizing environmental impacts on lakes.
HB1540: Representative Bolier Information Only04:18:20.720 - 12:46:57 PM; Representative Bolier questioned whether restricting ADUs near lakes would increase pressure on existing housing stock for tourism, potentially converting affordable units to short-term rentals like Airbnb.
HB1540: Representative Frack (response) Information Only04:19:39.040 - 12:48:16 PM; In response, Representative Frack clarified that ADUs are typically guest houses for known individuals or family, not short-term rentals, but acknowledged the point about potential displacement to other community housing.
HB1540: Representative Reed Information Only04:20:40.159 - 12:49:17 PM; Representative Reed expressed sympathy for water protection and asked if HB1540 merely clarifies existing protections under the Shoreline Water Quality Protection Act (RSA 674:43) or adds new requirements.
HB1540: Representative Frack (response) Information Only04:20:40.159 - 12:49:17 PM; Representative Frack responded that the cited RSA does not cover all necessary considerations, and the bill restores site-specific control to local planning boards to evaluate environmental soundness for ADUs.
HB1540: Unidentified Representative Information Only04:22:04.479 - 12:50:41 PM; An unidentified representative asked if the bill could be amended to apply a state DES standard for environmental impact evaluation, given municipalities' lack of scientific expertise.
HB1540: Representative Frack (response) Information Only04:22:04.479 - 12:50:41 PM; Representative Frack agreed that state DES oversight with available funding would address the issue.
HB1540: Representative Grant Information Only04:22:04.479 - 12:50:41 PM; Representative Grant noted that DES already regulates within 250 feet of shorelines, suggesting towns could refer concerns to DES for evaluation.
HB1540: Elizabeth Harper, Executive Director, Lake Sunapee Protective Association Information Only04:23:32.800 - 12:52:09 PM; Elizabeth Harper clarifies the language in HB1540 to ensure the 250-foot shoreland buffer remains protected. She emphasizes the importance of addressing housing issues while preventing unintended consequences from unclear regulations. She discusses collaboration with municipalities and New Hampshire Lakes to provide science-based tools for local decisions. She addresses concerns about local dynamics, advocating for local control in zoning and planning, especially regarding septic systems to prevent pollution and cyanobacteria blooms. She highlights the economic value of clean lakes and responds to committee questions, supporting state minimum standards but allowing local municipalities to enact stricter measures where needed, such as preventative septic maintenance.
HB1540: Andrea Lamuro, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Support04:38:57.438 - 1:07:34 PM; Andrea Lamuro supports HB1540, which allows municipalities to decide on regulating attached and detached ADUs in shoreland areas. As a former DES employee, she praises the state's blanket approach but stresses the value of local tailoring due to unique lake sensitivities. She warns of declining lake health, including pollution threats, and urges passage to restore municipal permitting abilities without undermining housing solutions. She responds to questions about allowing municipalities to exceed DES standards, suggesting subcommittee involvement and noting DES resource limitations.
HB1540: Roger Murray, Resident of Wolfeboro Support04:43:00.000 - 1:11:37 PM; Roger Murray, a Wolfeboro resident and planning board member speaking personally, supports restoring municipalities' rights to regulate ADUs in protected shoreland under RSA 674:72. He explains that recent amendments weakened local control, leading to issues like increased land clearing, impervious surfaces, and stormwater runoff threatening lakes. He notes many waterfront lots are substandard and clarifies that the Shoreline Protection Act sets boundaries but does not cover ADU specifics. He argues the bill promotes short-term rentals and cyanobacteria without alleviating housing shortages, urging recommendation as ought to pass.
HB1540: Dan Reagan, Chair of Enfield Zoning Board and President of Crystal Lake Improvement Association Support04:47:55.840 - 1:16:32 PM; Dan Reagan shares a personal story of growing up near polluted waters and falling in love with New Hampshire lakes, emphasizing proactive protection. He recounts Crystal Lake's first cyanobacteria bloom in 2023, leading to a tough local septic rule requiring pumping and inspections every six years within shoreland. He advocates for allowing serious municipalities to implement stricter measures to prevent leaks and blooms, highlighting community efforts like Lake Smart Awards and the importance of the 50-foot shoreline buffer as the last line of defense.
HB1540: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support04:52:23.520 - 1:21:00 PM; Brody Dees supports HB1540, noting it restores local discretion over ADUs in shoreland, treating them consistently with other housing types. He clarifies the Shoreline Protection Act as a minimum standard, allowing municipalities to exceed it historically. The bill addresses specific language in RSA 674:72 that prohibits stricter local septic and parking standards for ADUs. He argues for proactive, locally tailored solutions to prevent cyanobacteria blooms and protect economic resources like lakes, sharing a personal anecdote about growing up on Lake Winnipesaukee.
HB1540: Chris Freeman Information Only04:55:52.160 - 1:24:29 PM; Chris Freeman supports the bill's environmental protection spirit but cautions about implementation. He appreciates the ADU law's simple framework and worries that carving out exceptions could complicate it, leading to endless amendments like RSA 79-E. He references conservationist John Muir, noting interconnected impacts, and suggests using existing environmental regulations instead. In response to a question on economic incentives in science, he acknowledges that biased outcomes can be justified but declines to comment on scientific integrity broadly.
HB1540: Norm Royce, Resident of Northwood and Member of New Hampshire Lakes Board Support04:58:55.760 - 1:27:32 PM; Norm Royce, a Northwood lakefront resident and member of local committees, supports HB1540 to address challenges like 50 cyanobacteria bloom events in Northwood lakes over five years. He led efforts for a local septic ordinance requiring DES-approved systems or certified inspections and pumping every three years within shoreland to fill gaps in state programs. He praises DES but stresses the need for local measures against phosphate pollution from failed septics, urging support to protect New Hampshire's precious lake resources.
HB1079: Representative Al Holland Information Only05:04:08.080 - 1:32:45 PM; Representative Al Holland introduced HB 1079, explaining that it addresses issues with converting existing structures into accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Last term's legislation allowed attached or detached ADUs by right, but changes in dimensional standards can make previously legal structures nonconforming, requiring variances. The bill clarifies definitions of attached and detached ADUs, defines 'existing structure' as built before July 1, 2025, and allows conversion without variances if the structure was legally built. It aims to simplify the process for homeowners, especially for detached ADUs like garages.
HB1079: Representative David Priest Support05:09:45.440 - 1:38:22 PM; Representative David Priest spoke in strong support of HB 1079, calling it a common-sense bill that removes barriers to creating affordable housing through ADUs. He noted that ADUs are effective for housing needs like aging parents or young workers, but current laws cause confusion for nonconforming structures. The bill allows conversion of legally nonconforming or approved existing structures into ADUs without new nonconformities, respecting local codes and zoning while minimizing infrastructure impact. He urged the committee to recommend it ought to pass.
HB1079: Brody Ducha, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support05:12:44.400 - 1:41:21 PM; Brody Ducha from the New Hampshire Municipal Association supported HB 1079, which they helped draft. He explained clarifications to definitions of attached and detached ADUs to reduce confusion in planning departments. Section two addresses nonconforming structures built before July 1, 2025, allowing by-right conversion if conforming when built or with a variance, preventing abuse like building nonconforming structures to exploit the law. The repeal of RSA 674:73 eliminates redundancy. This compromise provides clarity and common ground for municipalities and developers.
HB1079: Joanie McIntyre, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Oppose05:17:15.040 - 1:45:52 PM; Joanie McIntyre, a real estate agent and vice chair of public policy for the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, opposed HB 1079 due to concerns over increased government intervention leading to costs, delays, and unpredictability. She shared examples of ADU projects halted by subjective local decisions, like tree cutting or size issues, emphasizing the need for predictability. Despite by-right laws helping some cases, she worried that 'cracks' in the system could derail projects, citing successful ADUs in Hopkinton, Manchester, and Concord for family needs.
HB1079: Representative Freeman Oppose05:20:36.798 - 1:49:13 PM; Representative Freeman expressed confusion over HB 1079, particularly whether subparagraphs A and B are conjunctive or disjunctive, suggesting clarification with 'and' or 'or'. He questioned what the bill adds to existing rules, potentially increasing confusion rather than providing a bright line. He leaned towards inexpedient to legislate (ITL) but appreciated the subcommittee opportunity.
HB1079: Representative Al Holland Information Only05:22:52.240 - 1:51:29 PM; Representative Al Holland introduced HB 1103, amending RSA 79-E, the community revitalization tax incentive program established in 2006 for temporary tax relief on rehabilitating underutilized buildings, originally for village centers. It provides up to 15 years of relief, extendable for housing or historic rehab, freezing pre-rehabilitation value. The bill expands qualifying structures to include commercial and industrial for residential conversion, renames 'office conversion zone' to 'residential conversion zone,' allows new construction in housing opportunity zones, and gives municipalities flexibility in setting public benefit criteria instead of rigid income requirements. This aims to facilitate workforce housing and ease verification using fair market rent.
HB13: Representative Mary Hecken Phillips, Grafton County District 12 (Hanover and Lyme) Support05:34:35.680 - 2:03:12 PM; Representative Phillips spoke in support of HB13 as a co-sponsor, emphasizing the housing crisis in New Hampshire based on recent polls showing it as a top priority for residents. She highlighted the bill's role in smart housing policy to increase supply through permissive, bipartisan measures that preserve local control and cost nothing. She noted its applicability to cities, college towns, and rural areas, and argued that previous policies like deregulation and grants have not been sufficient, making HB13 a critical part of a multifaceted approach.
HB13: Representative David Priest, Hillsborough County District 17 (Manchester) Support05:38:21.440 - 2:06:58 PM; Representative Priest supported HB13, describing it as a focused bill updating RSA 79E to allow municipalities to convert empty office, commercial, and industrial buildings into housing via local vote and tax incentives. He emphasized no state mandates, rewards for workforce housing, local control over criteria, and benefits like growing the tax base without sprawl or added taxpayer costs. He urged the committee to recommend it as ought to pass.
HB13: Matt Mayberry, CEO of New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Information Only05:40:50.080 - 2:09:27 PM; Mayberry provided information on RSA 79E's use for economic development and jobs but raised concerns about applying it to housing opportunity zones for single-family homes. He worried about tax reassessment shocks after 7-11 years causing disruption and potential consumer protection issues, as buyers focus on current low taxes without foreseeing spikes. He suggested disclosures or restrictions like rental covenants to mitigate this, and noted burdens on municipalities providing full services at reduced tax rates. He acknowledged its value for rentals and mixed-use but questioned its fit for homeownership and neighborhoods.
HB13: Chris Freeman, housing provider in Keene, Walpole, and Lebanon Support05:54:20.878 - 2:22:57 PM; Freeman supported HB13 with amendments, agreeing on expanding to industrial/commercial conversions and clarifying new construction in zones. He addressed concerns from prior testimony, noting disclosures for tax abatements in real estate forms and opposing rental covenants as they could exclude homeowners and redistribute wealth upward. He objected to reducing max relief from 10 to 7 years as counterproductive for filtering and affordability, suggested aligning incentives with covenants to prevent insolvency in affordable projects, proposed phase-outs for tax changes to avoid shocks, and flagged technical issues on valuing new construction. He recommended a subcommittee for cleaner 79E language.
HB13: N. Grace, for the BIA Support06:01:48.558 - 2:30:25 PM; Grace supported the bill as a simple update to existing statute, expanding the office conversion zone to any municipal-chosen use for residential conversion. He noted it activates 2024 wording, provides local tools without major rewrites, and could be enacted this year. He acknowledged suggestions for future changes but emphasized the bill's straightforward benefits.
HB13: Sarah Butterfield, Mount Washington Valley Housing Coalition Support06:03:27.280 - 2:32:04 PM; Sarah Butterfield testified in support of HB13, highlighting the severe shortage of affordable housing in the Mount Washington Valley region. She explained that the bill would expand RSA 79E to allow municipalities to utilize it for a broader range of properties, including new construction on vacant commercial buildings and underutilized sites. She cited the example of Conway, where a project was limited because it involved new construction rather than rehabilitation. HB13 would enable local decision-making and provide voluntary tools for towns to create tailored housing solutions, increasing attainable long-term housing.
HB13: Nick Taylor, Housing Action New Hampshire Support06:05:26.320 - 2:34:03 PM; Nick Taylor expressed strong support for HB13, agreeing that it provides simple fixes to make the program more flexible for communities. He noted challenges faced by Conway with new construction and Do with defining affordability using fair market rents. The bill addresses tangible issues without being overly broad, and while development can increase property taxes, additional tools are needed for public benefits. He mentioned a supporting letter from Vesta Housing, the developer in Conway.
HB13: Unidentified Speaker, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support06:07:02.798 - 2:35:39 PM; The speaker from the New Hampshire Municipal Association supported HB13 as drafted, acknowledging concerns but viewing it as ready legislation. They clarified adoption procedures on specific bill lines, referencing RSA 79-E:3 for town and city processes. They addressed tax burden shifts from exemptions, noting it's a local decision with voter consent. Municipalities must readopt provisions to use new ones, operating under previously adopted law versions otherwise. In response to a question, they explained that without readoption, municipalities continue under prior law iterations.
HB120: Rep. Cat McGee, District 35 Hollis Support06:10:43.280 - 2:39:20 PM; Rep. Cat McGee, the prime sponsor, introduced HB120 as a bipartisan bill to enable local planning boards to request preliminary water studies for subdivisions of four or more units on private wells, ensuring water adequacy and protecting existing wells. Inspired by a constituent's concern, she noted it addresses issues from a 2000s water commission study without mandating studies or upfront testing. Exemptions apply to community water supplies and large withdrawals. It revises last year's HB568 for enabling language in subdivision statutes. She addressed concerns on affordability and existing authority, emphasizing it's discretionary and a safeguard. She quoted the water study on expanding municipal groundwater roles and urged an ought to pass recommendation. In questions, she explained the 'four or more' threshold aligns with major subdivision definitions and noted study costs vary.
HB120: David Priest, Planner Support06:20:28.718 - 2:49:05 PM; David Priest, a 44-year planner, strongly supported HB120 as a responsible pro-planning bill ensuring housing growth does not compromise clean, reliable water. It grants clear authority for planning boards to require water supply studies and private well testing for larger subdivisions, exempting community systems and large withdrawals. The bill is targeted, costs fall on applicants, and it protects existing wells and resources while promoting sustainable housing. He urged an ought to pass recommendation.
HB120: Matt Mayberry, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose06:21:52.160 - 2:50:29 PM; Matt Mayberry opposed HB120, recommending a study commission on water usage instead of piecemeal legislation, citing disparate discussions on wells. He criticized undefined terms like 'adequate water quantity' for future uses and vague 'reasonable costs' for administrative expenses, which could arbitrarily burden developers. He urged a comprehensive stakeholder conversation on water draws in residential development.
HB120: Bob Quinn, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Oppose06:26:45.760 - 2:55:22 PM; Bob Quinn opposed HB120, noting its third appearance with recurring issues like undefined water supply studies and 'adequate supply.' Studies can cost six figures or be simple pump tests but often lack clarity. Referencing a 2008 study, he supported a study committee to address the issue's extent and add guardrails.
HB120: Richard Head, Department of Environmental Services Information Only06:28:46.320 - 2:57:23 PM; Richard Head from DES's Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau stated no position on HB120, as it falls outside their current jurisdiction on water quantity or quality. He referenced a letter from Commissioner Bob Scott and deferred to Steven Roy for details on the bill's history and relation to prior studies.
HB1120: Steven Roy, Department of Environmental Services Information Only06:29:34.080 - 2:58:11 PM; Steven Roy, manager of the hydrology and conservation section in the drinking water bureau, provided information on the department's oversight of community well siting, large groundwater withdrawal permitting, and the water well program. He referenced a past groundwater commission that discussed local roles in evaluating water supply capacity for subdivisions with private wells, driven by concerns in towns with deep, low-yield wells leading to water quantity issues in dry summers. The commission requested a model ordinance for planning boards on water supply evaluations and testing parameters, but lacked consensus to implement it. The department lacks authority over private well testing at the subdivision level, focusing instead on larger withdrawals and public systems. He offered to provide the model ordinance and answered questions on the bill's 4-unit threshold, suggesting it may align with planning metrics rather than science, and noted variability based on local geology. He recommended flexibility for towns to set thresholds no less than four if needed.
HB1120: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support06:37:34.160 - 3:06:11 PM; Brody Dees testified in support of HB1120, which adds sections to subdivision regulations for planning boards to adopt regarding on-lot private well testing to ensure adequate potable water supply. He noted recommendations from a 2010 247-page report. He explained that 'reasonable' requirements are not meant to be prohibitive, as interpreted by courts. He distinguished this from existing statutes on health and safety dangers, emphasizing proactive planning to prevent wells from running dry in overdeveloped or pre-zoning areas, especially during historic droughts. The bill aims to promote sustainable housing development without overdrawing aquifers or affecting existing property owners.