New Hampshire House Bill HB413

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Report DNP: 3/19/25
• Engrossed: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/28/25
• Report Pass: 5/7/25

Caption

Relative to subdivision regulations on the completion of improvements and the regulation of building permits.

Impact

If enacted, HB 413 would significantly impact the landscape of land development by providing greater legal certainty for developers who have their plans approved by local planning boards. This longer exemption period could incentivize investment in property development, as developers would not have to adapt to changing regulations during their project timelines. However, this bill maintains that public health standards remain unaffected during this exemption period, particularly concerning water quality and sewage regulations.

Summary

House Bill 413 aims to amend the regulations surrounding subdivisions and building permits in New Hampshire. Specifically, it extends the existing exemption for subdivision plats from five years to seven years, allowing developers a longer period during which they are shielded from subsequent changes to local regulations. The bill additionally modifies the appeals process by limiting the jurisdiction of local building code boards to hearings concerning amendments to local building codes, thus directing certain appeals towards superior court or a housing appeals board instead.

Contention

The bill has generated some debate among stakeholders, particularly regarding the balance of authority between state-level regulations and local control. Proponents argue that the changes proposed in HB 413 streamline the development process and reduce bureaucratic challenges faced by developers. Conversely, critics express concerns that extending exemptions may undermine local governance by limiting their ability to modify regulations to reflect what might be evolving community needs and safety concerns.