Housing

passed · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 84: relative to zoning procedures concerning residential housing.

SB 84 sets maximum lot sizes for single-family homes based on water and sewage infrastructure availability. For lots without municipal sewer, the cap is 66,000 square feet; with municipal water, 44,000 square feet; and with municipal sewage, 22,000 square feet. Municipalities must provide empirical evidence if they seek to exceed these limits due to infrastructure capacity concerns. The bill directly affects local zoning regulations in New Hampshire municipalities with single-family residential zoning.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCaps single-family lot sizes to increase housing density, enabling more units per acre and advancing affordability through regulated zoning reforms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 459: relative to acreage requirements and zoning regarding sewer infrastructure and single-family residential uses.

HB 459 sets new limits on minimum lot sizes for single-family homes based on sewer infrastructure. It prohibits local zoning rules from requiring lots larger than necessary for health/safety (determined by state environmental rules) for homes without municipal sewer, and caps lot sizes at 22,000 square feet for homes with municipal sewer - unless a town provides scientific proof that larger lots are needed for community health or safety. The bill directly affects municipalities that set zoning rules and developers or homeowners building single-family homes in areas with specific sewer systems. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not apply to lots created before that date.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces minimum lot sizes for single-family homes, enabling denser development and increasing housing supply, directly advancing affordable housing goals by allowing more units per area.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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in committee · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 604: relative to a loan forgiveness program for low-income homeowners to build new accessory dwelling units or renovate existing structures into accessory dwelling units.

HB 604 establishes a conditional loan forgiveness program for low-income homeowners in New Hampshire to build new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or convert existing structures into ADUs. It targets homeowners with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (as defined by HUD), requiring them to maintain affordability - renting the ADU at rates not exceeding 30% of tenant income - for the loan term. Loans are forgiven if the ADU remains affordable, even if the property is sold (with rent caps transferable or a payoff required). The program, administered by the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, would use funds from the Affordable Housing Fund but requires new state appropriations for implementation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates loan forgiveness for ADUs requiring affordability (≤30% tenant income), directly expanding low-income housing options through targeted funding and affordability mandates.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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passed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 410: limiting local authority to adopt restrictions on the building and development of residential properties.

HB 410 requires New Hampshire towns and cities to justify certain zoning restrictions on residential properties using scientific evidence from non-partisan sources, rather than arbitrary rules. It defines "extraordinary restrictions" as those exceeding specific thresholds, such as lot sizes over 5 acres per unit, minimum home sizes over 200 square feet, or fees exceeding $100 for low-income homeowners. Residents affected by these restrictions can appeal to their local zoning board, which must pause enforcement while reviewing whether the evidence meets the bill’s standards. The law aims to limit local government authority over housing development by mandating evidence-based decisions and creating a clear appeal process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill limits restrictive zoning (e.g., large lot sizes, high fees) requiring scientific justification, directly promoting housing development and affordability by reducing barriers to residential construction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 519: making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund and support the Waypoint youth and young adult shelter.

HB 519 appropriates $500,000 annually from the General Fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund the Waypoint youth and young adult shelter's operations, programs, and projects. This funding directly supports the shelter’s services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to use these funds starting July 1, 2025, with no additional policy changes beyond the financial allocation. It is a straightforward funding measure with no legislative policy shifts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $500k annually from General Fund to fund youth shelter operations, directly supporting essential public service through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds Waypoint shelter for homeless youth, directly supporting housing stability through $500k annual allocation for services addressing homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Homelessness

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failed · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 90: allowing high-density residential development on land zoned for commercial use.

SB 90 allows municipalities to permit high-density residential housing (defined as at least 20 units per acre) on land currently zoned for commercial use like retail or offices. It directly affects local governments, which must permit such development if adequate infrastructure (roads, water, sewage) is available or provided. The bill amends zoning rules to remove barriers for mixed-use projects combining residential and commercial space, requiring only that infrastructure supports the new housing. This policy change aims to increase housing options in areas currently limited to business uses, without mandating new construction. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables high-density housing on commercial zones, removing zoning barriers to increase housing supply and development capacity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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in committee · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 82: relative to the housing opportunity project extension and homes for homeland heroes grant program.

SB 82 creates "Housing Opportunity Zones" in New Hampshire counties and municipalities to encourage affordable workforce housing development. It requires owner-occupancy (no rental by investors), mandates specific design features like slab foundations and front porches, and exempts the first property transfer from real estate transfer taxes. The bill proposes $20 million in state grants for infrastructure (roads, water, sewer) with limits of $1 million per municipality and $5 million per county, though no funding source is identified. It directly affects local governments that establish these zones and future homeowners who must live in the properties they purchase.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts first property transfer from real estate tax and allocates $20M state grants for infrastructure, providing tax relief and funding for affordable housing development.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates Housing Opportunity Zones with $20M grants for affordable workforce housing infrastructure, exempts first transfer taxes, and mandates owner-occupancy to encourage development.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $20M for infrastructure grants including roads, directly funding transportation infrastructure projects as part of housing development.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill title explicitly references 'homes for homeland heroes' grant program, directly linking to veterans' housing needs. No contradictory language found in summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Zoning

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 8, 2026

HB 572: establishing the "partners in housing" program, an initiative under the housing champions fund to assist municipalities, counties, and developers in building workforce housing, and making an appropriation therefor.

HB 572 establishes the "Partners in Housing" program, a low-interest loan and grant program under the Housing Champions Fund to help municipalities, counties, and developers build workforce housing. The program prioritizes single-family starter homes, duplexes, small apartment buildings, and "missing middle housing" on municipally-owned land suitable for residential development, with $2 million of the $10 million total funding specifically allocated for this initiative. Municipalities can identify suitable public land for housing development, which would be added to a statewide list prioritized for program funding, and projects must include at least 20% affordable units for 20 years. The program also includes expedited review processes for qualifying projects to speed up development. The bill appropriates $10 million for the Housing Champions Fund, with $500,000 designated for program administration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $10M in state funds (including $2M specifically) for workforce housing program under Housing Champions Fund, directly advancing state budget spending on public housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes low-interest loans/grants for workforce housing development, prioritizes affordable housing types with $2M allocated from $10M fund.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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in committee · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 65: directing landlords to offer tenants the option of reporting rental payments to consumer reporting agencies.

HB 65 requires landlords in New Hampshire to offer tenants the option of having their rental payments reported to credit bureaus (consumer reporting agencies). Landlords must provide this written option at lease signing and annually thereafter, including details about the optional nature of reporting, fee limits ($10/month max), and a 6-month restriction if a tenant later opts out. The bill directly affects tenants (who can choose to improve credit scores) and landlords (who must facilitate the reporting process), while exempting small landlords owning 14 or fewer units. Key provisions include mandatory written elections, tenant control over reporting, and prohibitions against using unpaid fees as grounds for lease termination. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to offer tenants credit reporting for rent payments, strengthening tenant credit-building rights under housing protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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failed · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 231: relative to road frontage requirements and setbacks for wetlands.

SB 231 would limit local zoning requirements for road frontage and setbacks near wetlands to a maximum of 50 feet, aiming to increase housing density by reducing the minimum distance properties must be from wetlands. The bill ensures these limits remain consistent with existing shoreland protection standards (RSA 483-B:9) and do not override broader environmental regulations (RSA 489:2). It directly affects local governments creating zoning rules and developers building near wetlands, allowing more compact development while maintaining current environmental safeguards. The bill amends state law to add this purpose to zoning ordinances and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill reduces wetland setback requirements from existing standards, weakening environmental buffers to increase housing density despite referencing broader regulations.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces wetland setback requirements to increase housing density, directly advancing housing development by allowing more construction near wetlands.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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