New HampshireNew Hampshire bill would cap minimum home lot sizes that towns can require
As introduced, this bill would stop New Hampshire towns from requiring single-family home lots larger than set sizes, which get smaller when a lot has town water or sewer service.
What it does
In most areas zoned for single-family homes, a town could not require lots larger than 66,000 square feet where there is no town or community sewer.
With town water, lots could be required to be no larger than 44,000 square feet, and with town sewer, 22,000 square feet, if the system has capacity.
State septic and well rules could still require larger lots, and other local zoning rules would stay in place.
Argument forSmaller maximum lot sizes could let builders fit more homes on the same land, which may help add housing in towns with water and sewer service.
Argument againstTowns would have to change their ordinances and prove their water or sewer systems lack capacity, which the fiscal note says could bring indeterminable costs.
More detail
In most land zoned for single-family homes, a town ordinance could not require lots bigger than 66,000 square feet where there is no municipal or community sewer. To find the majority of land, the town counts all residential areas and any non-residential areas that allow single-family homes. The act is written to take effect July 1, 2025.
Where a lot has municipal or community water, an ordinance could not require more than 44,000 square feet. With sewer, the limit would be 22,000 square feet. It applies to single-family lots served by municipal or community water or sewer systems. The limits apply only if the water or sewer system has enough capacity. A town can keep larger lots if it gives empirical evidence that the system cannot support more homes.
The section would not override other local zoning rules unrelated to minimum lot size, or state environmental rules for septic systems and wells. State rules may still require larger lots case by case. The section also does not limit building on lots created before July 1, 2024.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 5Interim Study Report: Recommended for Future Legislation 10/01/2026 (Vote 9-0; )Latest
- Sep 22Executive Session: 10/01/2026 10:00 am GP 231
- Jan 7Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 74
- 2025
- Oct 31Committee Report: Refer for Interim Study 09/23/2025 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 51 P. 13
- Oct 31Executive Session: 09/23/2025 10:00 am GP 231
- Aug 28Full Committee Work Session: 09/23/2025 10:00 am GP 231
- May 22Retained in Committee
- May 22==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 05/22/2025 03:00 pm LOB 305
- Apr 23==RECESSED== Executive Session: 05/06/2025 10:00 am LOB 305
- Apr 1Public Hearing: 04/15/2025 10:00 am LOB 302-304
- Mar 28Introduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Housing HJ 11 P. 110Minor
- Mar 20Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0366s, 03/13/2025, Vote 5-1; SC 12Minor
- Mar 20Sen. Ricciardi Floor Amendment # 2025-1067s, AF, VV; 03/20/2025; SJ 8
- Mar 20Sen. Watters Floor Amendment # 2025-1151s, AA, VV; 03/20/2025; SJ 8
- Mar 20Ought to Pass with Amendments #2025-0366s, and #2025-1151s, RC 13Y-10N, MA; OT3rdg; 03/20/2025; SJ 8Passed Senate
- Mar 20Committee Amendment # 2025-0366s, AA, VV; 03/20/2025; SJ 8
- Mar 13Special Order to Next Session, Without Objection; 03/13/2025; SJ 7
- Mar 6Special Order to 03/13/2025, Without Objection, MA; 03/06/2025 SJ 6
- Mar 6SB 84 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 03/06/2025; SJ 6
- Mar 6Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0366s, 03/20/2025, Vote 5-1; SC 13Minor
- Feb 12Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0366s, 03/06/2025, Vote 5-1; SC 11Minor
- Jan 23Hearing: 01/28/2025, Room 100, SH, 10:15 am; SC 7
- Jan 22Introduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 3Introduced
HousingGovernment & Ethics