Concord, NH – The New Hampshire home building industry & the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association (NHHBA) are actively working to shape key legislation that impacts development and housing availability across the state. With over 150 legislative measures affecting the industry, home builders, developers, and industry advocates are rallying to ensure policies support responsible growth and home affordability.
One of the most pressing legislative priorities is Senate Bill 84 (SB84), which addresses soil-based zoning restrictions. This bill proposes clear and consistent zoning guidelines:
If a lot has access to both town water and sewer, towns cannot mandate lot sizes exceeding ½ acre.
If a lot has town water but not septic, towns cannot mandate lot sizes exceeding one acre.
If a lot requires both a well and septic system, towns cannot mandate lot sizes exceeding 1.5 acres.
This legislation does not restrict the ability to develop larger lots but prevents towns from imposing excessive zoning requirements that limit housing development. “Over the past 30 years, 110,000 fewer housing permits were issued than in the past 30 years which serves as the root cause of the affordability crisis”, said Matt Menning, Principal at Elm Grove Companies & President of the NHHBA regarding the New Hampshire housing crisis and zoning restrictions. Industry leaders are encouraging professionals in the industry to respond to the call of action through legislative solutions and help shift zoning control from municipalities back to developers and homeowners.
Strong Support from Governor Ayotte
Governor Kelly Ayotte has been a champion for the home building industry, making construction and workforce development a cornerstone in her budget. She has pledged to allocate state funding for construction trade training programs and streamline the permitting process, requiring state agencies to process permits within 60 days. Additionally, plans are underway to consolidate certain state agencies, creating a more efficient, one-stop permitting process.
A Unified Voice for Housing Development
By working together, the industry can create a more efficient, business-friendly environment that fosters responsible development and economic growth in New Hampshire. Now is the time to take action, show support, and ensure that the voices of home builders and property developers are heard loud and clear. Menning offers insight into how this can accomplished. “Citizens can act by reaching out to their state representatives to demand reforms to protect property rights, promote responsible and affordable housing, and ensure New Hampshire remains a place where families of all incomes can thrive”.
About Elm Grove Companies
Elm Grove Companies is a New Hampshire based full-service real estate firm operating throughout New England. Elm Grove Companies currently owns and manages 1,800 apartments, both market rate and affordable (LIHTC) and has competencies in acquisitions, renovation, construction, development, asset management and property management (in-house and third-party). www.elmgrovecompanies.com
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