CONCORD – Today, Governor Ayotte signed a package of bills into law that will help address New Hampshire’s housing crisis, including HB 577, allowing attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in single-family zones, and HB 631, allowing multi-family homes in commercial zones. These new laws will help increase accessible and attainable housing options for our workforce, young families, seniors seeking to age in place, and people with disabilities.

Housing Action NH Director Nick Taylor released the following statement after the signings:

“These bills are a win for New Hampshire families and businesses. They make it easier for Granite Staters to create attainable homes on their own property, revitalize aging strip malls and office buildings, cut through burdensome red tape, and streamline the approval process. Addressing our housing shortage will mean more options for aging parents, young families, and the workers our communities rely on. While our work is not done, these bills represent common-sense steps that make meaningful progress toward addressing our housing shortage.”

Background:

Housing Reform Bills Signed Into Law on July 15:

  • HB 296 – relative to issuing building permits along private roads.

  • HB 413 – relative to subdivision regulations on the completion of improvements and the regulation of building permits.

  • HB 457 – relative to zoning restrictions on dwelling units.

  • HB 577 – relative to modifying the definition of ADUs.

  • HB 631 – permitting residential building in commercial zoning.

  • SB 110 – relative to terrain permitting.

  • SB 188 – relative to the state building code.

  • SB 281 – prohibiting municipalities from denying building or occupancy permits for property adjacent to class VI roads under certain circumstances.

  • SB 282 – relative to stairway requirements in certain residential buildings.

  • SB 284 – relative to authority for municipalities to regulate mandatory on-site parking requirements.

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Housing Action NH works to improve state and federal policy so everyone in New Hampshire has a place to call home.