Housing (Property Development)

HB 1349 exempts small, low-density municipalities (those with fewer than 250 residents per square mile based on U.S. Census data) from state requirements that typically mandate permitting multi-family housing on commercially zoned land. This directly affects towns meeting the population density threshold, regardless of whether the Census Bureau classifies them as rural or urban. The bill removes the obligation for these communities to allow multi-family development on commercial properties, using Census data to determine eligibility without considering overlapping area designations. The exemption applies immediately upon the bill's passage, changing zoning rules for eligible towns.

HB 1010 repeals a statewide law requiring New Hampshire municipalities to permit multi-family residential development (like apartment buildings) on land zoned for commercial use. This directly affects all cities and towns that previously had to allow such projects on commercial properties. The bill removes two specific statutes (RSA 674:79 and RSA 674:80) that created this mandate, giving local governments discretion over zoning decisions. The repeal takes effect on June 30, 2026.

HB 1016 repeals RSA 674:32, which currently requires New Hampshire municipalities to allow manufactured housing development opportunities. This bill removes a legal mandate forcing towns and cities to permit such housing. After passage, municipalities will no longer be obligated to provide space for manufactured housing developments. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.