Housing (Zoning)

HB 1136 simplifies rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), like backyard cottages or in-law suites, making them easier to build on single-family properties. It allows municipalities to permit ADUs automatically (without special permits) or through standard processes, permits multiple ADUs per home, and sets a 750-square-foot minimum size. The bill clarifies that towns without ADU rules must allow one ADU by default (beyond basic building permits), expands access standards to all ADUs, and prohibits ADUs in townhouses, manufactured housing, or rented land. Homeowners, local governments, and potential renters are directly affected by these changes to zoning and construction rules.

HB 1017 allows New Hampshire towns to count accessory dwelling units (ADUs, like backyard cottages) toward their local workforce housing goals. It requires that ADUs meet specific affordability standards and lets municipalities enforce these standards through legal agreements recorded with property deeds. The bill directly affects local governments and property owners who develop or manage ADUs. This change modifies how towns calculate existing housing obligations without creating new state-level requirements.

HB 1026 clarifies that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - small secondary housing units on the same lot as a main home - are not considered manufactured housing. The bill explicitly states that municipalities may prohibit ADUs associated with manufactured housing, such as mobile homes or factory-built units. This change affects local zoning decisions, allowing towns to restrict ADUs in manufactured housing developments while ensuring ADUs remain excluded from the legal definition of manufactured housing. The law updates state definitions to prevent ambiguity in housing regulations.